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Full Description

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Design seeks to exemplify design excellence, make interior spaces for human well-being and continually expand the reputation and rigor of the program. The program educates highly skilled and empathetic interior designers through a diverse curriculum that emphasizes research, creativity, professionalism and leadership in an era of social and technological change. Competencies achieved in the program include fundamental design skills tempered with the application of research and creative inquiry; knowledge of materials, methods and systems; space planning and programming; professional practice knowledge and critical thinking; gaining experiences through a guided internship; inquiry into human factors in design; and the comprehensive designing of interior spaces with vigilance toward the health, safety and welfare of the public.

The college offers a semester abroad for qualified third-year students in the Interior Design major. The study abroad program is housed in the heart of historic Florence, Italy and Paris, France. The program is open to all students who have made satisfactory progress toward completion of their undergraduate program.

Interior Design students may apply early to the Master of Healthcare Design degree and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the policy in the University Catalog for more information.

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

Freshman Students: Admission to the Interior Design major is selective and based on a holistic review process. Prospective applicants must have a minimum 2.750 unweighted overall grade point average (on a 4.000-scale) to be considered for a holistic review and potential admission into the Interior Design program.

Admission to Non-Degree General major: Students who do not qualify for admission to the Interior Design major may qualify for admissions to the college's non-degree General major. Students in the General major are assigned to freshman orientation classes with all College of Architecture and Environmental Design majors. These classes aid in understanding the broad range of career options within the environmental design professions. Students should take regular coursework in preparation to attempt entry into one of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design majors or may consider alternative degree program options. Students should meet with their advisors to aid in making decisions regarding their degree program and major. In order to move forward with a minimum loss of credit hours, students are strongly recommended to choose an alternate degree program within or outside the college prior to completing 45 credit hours.

Transfer, Transitioning and Former Students: For more information about admission criteria for transfer, transitioning and former students, please visit the admissions website.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning a minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, minimum 47 PTE score or minimum 100 DET score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive English Program. For more information on international admission visit the admissions website for international students.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Understand the foundations of the interior design discipline: history, theories of design, technical knowledge, human factors, human sciences, design thinking and professional practices.
2. Understand the complex relationships between design practice, materials, technology, sustainability and social issues in the built environment.
3. Conduct and apply technical, historical, material and cultural research, using quantitative and qualitative methods to design projects.
4. Understand how a variety of building materials, finishes and systems are used, assembled and interconnected in construction.
5. Skillfully manipulate two- and three-dimensional representational techniques using a wide range of media.
6. Demonstrate effective visual, verbal and written communication skills.
7. Contribute effectively to multidisciplinary, diverse teams prepared to practice in complex, multicultural global contexts.
8. Create interior spaces at varying scales, in various contexts and for varying purposes, using research, critical thinking, analysis and problem solving, which respond to user needs and promote human well-being.
9. Create interior spaces that conform with required codes, standards and regulations to protect the life, safety, health and wellness of the building occupants.
10. Develop an ethical bearing that addresses sustainability, social justice, leadership, responsibility to clients and society and respect for difference and equity.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

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A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

Progression Requirements

• A minimum 2.500 overall GPA is required for advancement to the second year.

Graduation Requirements

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

The B.A. degree in Interior Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study and to apply to membership in professional interior design organizations. The program meets the educational requirements for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam).