Bachelor of Science in Design: Interior Design

The four year undergraduate program consists of a Common First Year of courses shared by students in architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design. This year is followed by focused years of study in interior design and a final year that allows for collaborative work with students in architecture and landscape architecture. 

Students participate in exploring a full range of design problems in the studios where they develop design solutions that are presented to practicing professionals and for some projects, actual clients. The contact with the profession and clients is continued in the required internship program where students work in professional design firms for academic credit. 

Through these explorations and related course work in design history, materials, detailing, and professional practice, students develop an understanding of all aspects associated with the multi-dimensional field of interior design. The Bachelor of Science in Design – Interior Design requires 120 semester credit house of coursework. To view an example of the Interior Design flowchart click here.

One of the most appealing aspects of interior design is the variety of career options available within the discipline. Some designers consistently work on all types of interior projects, while others opt to specialize in some aspect of interior design. Residential design is perhaps the oldest and most widely recognized segment of interior design, but the field of commercial interiors, such as hospitality, healthcare, retail, or institutional, is rapidly growing and requires specialized knowledge and skills.

Regardless of the actual type of interior project, designers follow a process for carrying an interior design project to completion. A thorough analysis of client needs is important in order to translate those needs into real spaces, furniture and fixture requirements. The interior designer plans, selects, and specifies interior furnishings and finish materials to meet the client’s dreams and at the same time complies with applicable codes and regulations. Finally, designers are responsible for designing custom components and overseeing their fabrication and installation.