If someone has engineering experience, how long might it take to get a degree in industrial design?

Hallelujah! My husband is seriously considering flat out quitting his job and going back to school. He is considering a degree in industrial design. He has 20 years of work experience, a degree in Electrical & Computer Engineering, much experience in mechanical engineering, has worked in R&D, has CAD and SolidEdge (or is it SolidWorks?) experience, and is listed on a couple of patents. There’s more, but you get the idea.

He is very stifled in his current job and doesn’t get to use any creativity. I think the idea of industrial design is a good one, and there is an excellent program in our area.

I’m curious to know if you think that the school might give him some credits for “life experience” and not make him take things that he can prove proficiency in. Obviously, it will be dependent upon the school, but am wondering if any jellies have an idea if they will do this, and how much time it might cut off a degree program?