Career Exploration Summer Programs
The Hillier College of Architecture and Design offers summer programs for exceptional high school students interested in design, building and making, and the creative arts. With a comprehensive approach, experience Design with the power of STEM.
Welcome to Summer 2024!
We are excited to offer an in-person, on-campus experience for our Career Exploration Program next summer. Introduction to Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, and Game Design and Animation will be delivered in one-week segments as a residential program.-
Thank you for your interest. All programs are now filled and closed for Summer 2024.
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For Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), click here
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Additional questions? Please email hcadsummer@njit.edu
- Summer Architecture + Design Programs
We welcome high school students interested in design careers to join us for a summer of exploration. For students considering careers in architecture, interior design, product design or video game design, our program builds community, enhances creativity and promotes responsibility for our participants.
- Students work collaboratively with each other in a studio environment.
- Each program results in pieces that can be used for portfolio submissions.
- Eligible students must be entering sophomore, junior or senior year of high school in the Fall of the year they plan to attend the program.
If you require more information regarding program details, registration, or other inquiries contact us at hcadsummer@njit.edu.
Program Descriptions:
Introduction to Architecture (available in 1-week or 2-week sessions)
Week One: Fundamentals of Design ~ This program will immerse students in the world of architecture through daily hands-on project creation and rigorous analysis. It aims to familiarize students with the techniques and terminology commonly used in the field of architecture. Participants will gain a solid grasp of three-dimensional design principles and architectural fundamentals. In addition to these core concepts, students will cultivate professional skills in various areas, including field research, schematic drawing, and model construction, all of which will be applied to studio projects addressing both conceptual and practical architectural challenges. To provide students with a more immersive experience in design practice, a field trip will be organized, enhancing their understanding of scale, form, and spatial relationships – all crucial aspects for interpreting and appreciating the built environment.
Week Two: Advanced Design Techniques ~ In the second week of the program, we take a deeper dive into refining the skills introduced in week one. This week is dedicated to a more intensive exploration of the foundational concepts, as well as a thorough commitment to developing and meticulously documenting the design process. During the second week we work intensely on one architectural project and focus on producing detailed architectural drawings and models. The goal is producing work suitable for inclusion in a professional portfolio. It is particularly well-suited for students who are strongly considering architecture as their major and are seeking to create portfolio-level work. We will allocate dedicated class time for the purpose of portfolio development.
Introduction to Interior Design - Closed
Interior design is not just about how a space looks, but also our experience inside of that space whether commercial, retail, hospitality, healthcare, or residential. This program will introduce students to interior design through hands on work, basic design-build principles, the use of varying materials in a space, and field trips to experience and see the work of practicing interior designers. At the end of the one-week program, students will present a final project to their peers and faculty in the format of a typical college-level interior design studio review.
Introduction to Industrial Design (Product Design) - Closed
Be both artist and engineer by making beautiful things that work. This hands-on program will expose you to the various physical and digital media, and design methods that will bring to life your own unique and functioning products. Learn the concept of design thinking, a process that will take you from brainstorming, to developing, to prototyping, to “pitching” your creations. The session will also provide an opportunity to learn software that will be instrumental in the use of digital fabrication technologies intersecting the physical and digital world.
Introduction to Video Game Design - Closed
Games take us into new worlds where we meet new characters and face new challenges. Join us for the opportunity to create and bring your own character or environment to life through animation in a simulated world using the same software used by the creators of The Madalorian. Students will learn basic game design and animation principles including character design, lighting, scene design and staging as well as keyframe animation. Students will work together and independently sketching by hand and working with various software to transform the physical drawings into digital assets.
Portfolio Building Workshop - Closed
Portfolios are an integral and necessary part of the application process for any design school, regardless of major. Join us for a week of exploring and refining 2D and 3D design skills, as well as learning how to photograph and present your work. In this hands-on session students will work with a variety of softwares as well as physical materials to create, expand, and finesse their portfolios. We will also be including tutorials on Slideroom- the application many schools use for uploading portfolios as part of the admissions process. At the conclusion of the week, students will have the opportunity to present their work to their peers and parents, excellent practice for meeting with future admissions counselors.
Program Information
Pricing Information and Dates for 2024 |
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Description | Start Date | End Date | Tuition (includes $40 application fee) | |||
Introduction to Architecture
(1-week session) - Closed.
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July 7 | July 12 | $1890 | |||
Introduction to Architecture - (1-week session)- Closed.
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July 14 | July 19 | $1890 | |||
Introduction to Architecture
(2-weeks; weekend stay over) - Closed.
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July 7 | July 19 | $3240 | |||
Introduction to Video Game Design - Closed | July 14 | July 19 | $1890 | |||
Introduction to Interior Design - Closed | July 7 | July 12 | $1890 | |||
Introduction to Industrial Design - Closed | July 7 | July 12 | $1890 | |||
Portfolio Building Workshop - Closed | July 14 | July 19 | $1890 |
Final payment is due on May 31. If you need to cancel your registration, for any reason, you may do so, prior to May 31 and receive a full refund. The $40.00 application fee is non-refundable.
There will be no refund if registration is canceled after May 31.
If you require more information regarding program details, registration, or other inquiries contact us at hcadsummer@njit.edu.
- Payments made in full at the time of registration, before the early-registration deadline of April 30, 2024, will receive a 10% discount.
- Sibling and/or multiple program registration will receive a discount of 10%. (max discount is 10%).
- A non-refundable application fee of $40 is required with registration.
- A deposit of $200 is required to secure your enrollment.
- Please note that any session is subject to cancelation due to under-enrollment. If a class is under-enrolled, we will inform you within 30 days of start date and refund your deposit.
- All payments are due in full by May 31.
- Payment can be made by credit or debit card.