Category: Graduate Courses

As a continuation of Digital Visual Communication,I. this course focuses on advanced 3D modeling and,rendering tools, techniques, and processes,required for both analyzing and realizing complex,formal design expressions with a special focus on,vehicle interiors. In addition to continuing to,build competency in rapid 3D form exploration and,development, this course expands into the,refinement of a technical digital 3D model data,set of a fully integrated exterior and interior,vehicle design. This 3D model is then animated to,evaluate final product execution, communicate,conceptual intent, and demonstrate technical,component articulation. 3D digital modeling and,animation software such as Zbrush, Alias, VRED,,Keyshot, Blender &/ or Unreal Engine are,extensively used.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: GRT 605

This course reviews both fundamental and advanced,tools and techniques for analytical drawing and,rendering of a variety of form and material,expressions across a range of vehicle exterior,proportions. At the end of this course, students,will have developed the ability to deconstruct,complex form compositions into primary structural,elements. Thus, they will be able to draw and,render clear and communicative 2D depictions of,observed and imagined formal expressions. This,course will also introduce professional,documentation and presentation of creative work,during its development and for final display. ,Professional 2D and 3D digital software being used,within the transportation design industry will be,used extensively in this course.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

This course applies fundamentals and advanced,tools and techniques for analytical drawing and,rendering of a variety of thematic expressions,across a range of vehicle interior designs. At,the end of this course, students will have,developed the ability to both deconstruct as well,as assemble complex formal compositions in,consideration of their primary structural,elements. And thus, be able to draw and render,clear and communicative 2D depictions of observed,and imagined vehicle interior designs at a,professional level of craft and artistry. ,Additionally, this course will further practice,professional documentation and presentation of,creative work throughout the development process,and for final display. Professional 2D and 3D,digital software being used within the,transportation design industry will be used,extensively in this course.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: GRT 607

This course provides a general introduction and,review of terms, principles, and practices,considered essential for the study and,professional practice of Transportation Design.,Emphasis is placed on verbal discussion, analysis,and critique of formal aesthetic composition,,vehicle design execution, as well as trends and,technologies in the mobility industry.

Credits: 1.5

Prerequisites:

This course focuses on the development of student,portfolios, resumes, and digital presence in,preparation for applying for internships.

Credits: 1.5

Prerequisites: GRT-609

This course introduces the basics of 3D digital,rendering and animation techniques as specifically,applied to vehicle design. Students will be,introduced to Blender as the main animation &,rendering software and will also incorporate other,digital assets and software for rigging 3D models,and video editing.

Credits: 1.5

Prerequisites:

This course introduces advanced 3D digital,animation techniques for animating vehicle designs,and interactive interior experiences. Students,will be introduced to Blender as the main,animation & rendering software and will also,incorporate other digital assets and software for,rigging 3D models and video editing.

Credits: 1.5

Prerequisites: GRT-611

The Special Project course is offered on an,occasional basis, with course content specific to,the area being explored.,

,WINTER 2027,

,MODEL FABRICATION ,,

,This course provides an in-depth exploration of,the digital-to-physical workflow used in,automotive,model fabrication. Students learn FDM and DLP,printing processes, surface and tolerance,considerations, part-break planning, printing,strategy, and multi-stage post-processing. The,class,emphasizes practical studio skills including,orientation for paint-facing surfaces, precision,joint design, support removal, filler work,,priming, surfacing, and final paint finishing. By,the end of the semester, students will produce a,fully realized physical model-MFA students at 1/5,scale and 602 students at 1/10 or 1/5,scale-supported by test prints, process,documentation, and a final presentation.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

This course will focus on the examination of brand,identity and competitive market analysis to,further the development of an original vehicle,concept. Target user research will be conducted,to assess specific needs and wants as well as to,establish contextual scenarios that will help,inform design criteria. This studio’s project,brief can be either interior or exterior focused,and students are encouraged to tailor this choice,towards the specialty they hope to pursue,professionally. This course will result in a,final exterior or interior design executed as a,technical digital 3D model data set capable of,further engineering assessment fabrication and/or,animation.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: GRT 602

This course has two main components. The first,half of the semester will concentrate on the,completion of a compressed project. This can be a,stand-alone mini-project that provides yet another,opportunity in the area of desired professional,specialization, or the project can be an extension,and completion of the one conducted in the,previous semesters’ GRT-701. For example, if a,vehicle exterior was the focus for GRT-701, the,mini project in GRT-702 could be the interior for,that exterior or vice versa. The second half of,the semester will then focus on the finalization,and refinement of student portfolios and online,promotional presence in preparation for the end of,the year exhibition and industry interviews. This,course will result in a final exterior or interior,design executed as a technical digital 3D model,data set capable of further engineering,assessment, fabrication, and/or animation.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: GRT 701