Program Overview

Introduction to the Interior Design Program

The Interior Design program at Northern Arizona University is a CIDA-accredited degree that introduces students to the terminology, marketplace, and professional issues of practice. The program emphasizes an experiential curriculum that stimulates creativity, experimentation, problem-solving, and innovation.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Interior Design is a 120-unit program that includes general studies requirements, university requirements, and major requirements. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in interior design, including the principles and applications of design, critical design thinking, anthropometrics, ergonomics, construction and building systems, and business practices.

Program Requirements

To receive a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, students must complete at least 120 units of credit, including:

• All of Northern Arizona University's general studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements
• All requirements for the specific academic plan
• At least 30 units of upper-division courses
• At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University
• A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University

Major Requirements

The major requires 75 units, including:

• ART 135 and ART 151 (6 units)
• Two Art History (ARH) courses (6 units)
• ID 121, ID 123, ID 224, ID 230, ID 246, ID 247, ID 260, ID 261, ID 322, ID 325, ID 361, ID 362, ID 421, ID 425, ID 461, and ID 462 (48 units)
• Select from the following courses (6 units):
  • HA 250, HA 260, HA 335, HA 495
  • Any ACC course
  • Any BA course
  • Any ECO course
  • Any FIN course
  • Any MGT course
  • Any MKT course
  • PSY 101 (3 units)
• ID 326W, which meets the junior-level writing requirement (3 units)
• ID 490C, which meets the senior capstone requirement (3 units)

Student Learning Outcomes

The program is designed to help students achieve the following learning outcomes:

• Understanding of the basic principles and applications of design and color in two and three dimensions
• Development of critical thinking, professional values, and processes through a global perspective of interior design
• Skill in the application of design and color principles in a wide variety of residential and nonresidential projects
• Understanding of the technical issues of human factors, including areas such as programming, environmental control systems, anthropometrics, ergonomics, and proxemics
• Knowledge of the technical aspects of construction and building systems, and energy conservation
• Understanding of the importance of collaboration between interior designers and other design and build professionals
• Ability to hear and communicate concepts and requirements to the broad spectrum of professionals and clients involved or potentially involved with interior design projects
• Functional knowledge of production elements such as installation procedures, project management, and specification of materials and equipment
• Understanding of the history of art, architecture, decorative arts, and interior design
• Functional knowledge of basic business practices and ethical practices in interior design

Career Opportunities

A degree in interior design can lead to a variety of career opportunities, including:

• Facility manager
• Project manager
• Residential designer
• Healthcare designer
• Lighting designer
• Manufacturer's representative
• Furniture dealer
• Corporate designer
• Hotel/restaurant designer
• Retail store designer

Accreditation

The interior design program leading to the Bachelor of Science is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). 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 granted by Northern Arizona University meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam).