Bachelor of Science in Interior Design

The interior design program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, 206 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, Suite 350 Rapids, MI, 49503.
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Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Interior Design is a four-year program of study (128 credit hours), that includes design studios, technical, specialized courses, and a required internship. Following the two-year Basic Studies sequence, students complete two years of Major Studies, an intensive series of specialized courses and studios on the professional practice of interior design.

VISION STATEMENT

The interior design program is a recognized source of academic excellence, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration in design.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Interior Design Program is to prepare students for entry level positions in the interior design profession and to provide opportunities for students to explore the wide range of career options to fit their individual goals. A focus on professional practice including certification and licensure informs students of critical issues influencing practice in support of their career endeavors and promotes design leadership. Professional experiences including engagement with the DFW interior design community, a formalized internship structure, and exposure to a wide range of opportunities support the mission.

PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY

The program philosophy is reflected in our teaching and respect for diversity, not only of our students, but in support of the range of career paths they choose. Our core belief in legal recognition for professional practice is guided by the NCIDQ definition of “interior design.” We encourage and promote personal and professional growth and development through many experiences in the classroom, the design community, and volunteer opportunities. Students benefit from the wide range of support that is  provided by the design community to assist, mentor, employ, and  develop emerging talent through professional association involvement.

PROGRAM GOALS

The interior design program prepares graduates for professional careers by providing opportunities through which students learn the environmental, technical, aesthetic, and human-centered aspects of design. Students understand the impact of interior design decisions on the built environment and its occupants as they develop awareness of global issues, from sustainability to cultural and societal issues where design makes a difference. The program focuses on evidence-based design solutions and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration with related disciplines including architecture, landscape architecture, lighting design, community development, and others. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of design thinkers and leaders and to that purpose, provide experiences that reflect professional practices, collaboration, and expanding opportunities beyond the classroom.

Major Requirements - First and Second Year

  1. All entering students majoring in Interior Design are admitted into our Interior Design Basic Studies program.
  2. Interior Design Basic Studies, students complete 1st and 2nd year INTD/ARCH courses in the correct sequence and also complete their core curriculum....
  3. The Interior Design Program offers one freshman level course to gain exposure to the profession as an introductory class and to connect with other...
  4. The Interior Design Program offers two sophomore level courses to continue developing skills and knowledge of interior design practice; these courses...
  5. The Undergraduate Interior Design Program consists of a series of lectures and design studios that must be taken sequentially. The program will take a...
  6. The course sequencing for both the design and lecture courses has been designed to help students successfully complete the program. The course...

Suggested Course Sequence

Fall Semester

Course Code  Course Name
ARCH 1301 Introduction to Architecture and Interior Design
ARCH 1341 Design Communications I
ENGL 1301 Rhetoric and Composition I
INTD 1101 Academic Success Skills in Interior Design (or UNIV-AR 1131)
PHYS 1301 Physics for Non-Specialists I
POLS 2312 State and Local Government

Total Credit Hours: 16 hrs.

 

Spring Semester

Course Code Course Name
INTD 1342 Design Communications II
ENGL 1302 Rhetoric and Composition II
HIST 1301 U.S. History I
PHYS 1302 Physics for Non-Specialists II
POLS 2311 Government of the U.S.

Total Credit Hours: 15 hrs.

Fall Semester

Course Code  Course Name
ARCH 2303 History of Architecture and Interior Design I
ARCH 2551 Basic Design and Draw I
HIST 1302 U.S. History II
MATH 1303 Trigonometry
Elective 3 hrs Language, Philosophy, and Culture

Total Credit Hours: 17 hrs.

 

Spring Semester

Course Code Course Name
ARCH 2304 History of Architecture and Interior Design II
INTD 2343 Design Communications III
INTD 2552 Design Studio I
MATH 1327 Architectural Calculus with Analytic Geometry
Elective 3 hrs Social and Behavioral Sciences

Total Credit Hours: 17 hrs.

In order to declare your major in Interior Design, you must be advised by the Undergraduate Advisor prior to enrolling in any course at the 3000 level or above. You should also have completed all Basic Studies (1st & 2nd year ARCH/INTD) courses, all core hours, and have a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA overall at UTA, a 2.8 GPA within the School of Architecture.

Fall Semester

Course Code  Course Name
INTD 3321 Materials and Resources
INTD 3323 Lighting Design
INTD 3338 Building Codes and Regulations
INTD 3553 Design Studio II
Elective 3 hrs Literature

Total Credit Hours: 17 hrs.

 

Spring Semester

Course Code Course Name
INTD 3322 Materials and Technology
INTD 3357 Building Information Modeling and Visualization
INTD 3361 Environmental Design and Sustainability
INTD 3554 Design Studio III
Elective 3 hrs Art History

Total Credit Hours: 17 hrs.

An approved degree plan is required prior to registration for this year.

Fall Semester

Course Code  Course Name
INTD 4332 Professional Practice in Interior Design
INTD 4365 VR, AR, and SR Environments
INTD 4368 Interior Detailing
INTD 4556 Design Studio IV

Total Credit Hours: 14 hrs.

 

Spring Semester

Course Code Course Name
INTD 4344 Design Communications IV
INTD 4366 Human Centered Design
INTD 4493 Interior Design Internship
INTD 4557 Design Studio V

Total Credit Hours: 15 hrs.

The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design granted by the University of Texas at Arlington meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: https://www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements 

See Interior Design Accreditation

Explore NCIDQ Exam Eligibility

Student Achievement Data

Masters of Architecture Advanced Standing

Students completing UT Arlington's 4-years professional undergraduate interior design degree may apply for advanced standing in the Master of Architecture Path A Program.

Undergraduate Request Form

Studio Culture Policy

Civilized behavior among students, faculty and staff based on mutual respect is expected in all settings but is particularly important in design studios due to their time-intensive nature.

See Studio Culture Policy