Transportation Design at the College for Creative Studies
The Transportation Design course at the College for Creative Studies encourages students to develop traditional and industry-grade technology skills.
Course details
School: College for Creative Studies
Course: Transportation Design
Type: Undergraduate
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Course dates: September 2027 to May 2028
Application deadline: February 2027
Course overview
The College for Creative Studies (CCS)’s Transportation Design program is located in the heart of the auto industry. The curriculum explores mobility, cultural and technical trends and translates 2D design concepts to 3D models using traditional skills and industry-grade technology.
Student work pushes boundaries, forging connections and drawing on Detroit’s energy to shape bold ideas and future creative leaders.
Students have the opportunity to secure competitive internships at top firms around the world, work with industry insiders on sponsored design projects and go on to swell the ranks of every major car design studio and nearly all the tier one auto suppliers.
Graduates go on to design vehicles and interiors in studios in Detroit, nationally and around the globe.
What will I learn during this course?
The curriculum explores mobility, cultural and technical trends and translates 2D design concepts to 3D models using traditional skills and industry-grade technology.
What are the requirements?
Entrants can apply directly through CCS’s free, native application portal or add CCS to your common app.
Submit five to 12 of your strongest visual artworks, including at least five drawings. Your portfolio should demonstrate strong drawing skills.
It should also include a minimum of five drawings created from direct observation and/or imagination, using any drawing medium.
The remaining works may be in any visual art discipline or medium, including (but not limited to):
- digital design
- video
- film
- photography
- sculpture
- jewellery
- painting
- drawing
- installation
- performance
- design plans
- printmaking
- ceramics
- fashion
Provide official high school or college transcripts or mark sheets, along with a certified English translation if the original documents are not in English.
Full admissions requirements can be found on the CCS website.
What facilities and resources are available?
CCS has some of the best facilities for all students to use, including:
- 24-hour studio spaces
- industry-level technology and equipment
- a state-of-the-art foundry
- shops and material libraries
- a model shop for fabricating designs
- rapid prototyping studio
- 3d printers
- cnc five-axis mills
- laser cutters
- car-sized ventilated spray booth
What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?
Students can have possible careers in the following fields:
- commercial and industrial designers
- market research analysts and marketing specialists
- special effects artists and animators
- web and digital interface designers
- chief executives
- sustainability specialists
- marketing managers
- general and operations managers
- project management specialists
- biofuels/biodiesel technology and product development managers
- mechatronics engineers
- fine artists, including painters, sculptors and illustrators
- mechanical drafters
- industrial engineers
- industrial production managers
Who teaches this course?
Paul Snyder, chair of transportation design.
