Program Overview
University of Florida Interior Design Program
The University of Florida's Interior Design program is recognized as a leader nationally, offering an excellent major for students with strong creative and problem-solving abilities. The program is designed for self-motivated students who enjoy shaping user experiences in interior environments.
About the Program
- College: Design, Construction and Planning
- Degree: Bachelor of Design
- Credits for Degree: 120
To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements.
Department Information
The Department of Interior Design engages in research and creative scholarship with expertise in technology, design, communication, sustainability, lighting, history, and materials. The department's newest ventures involve virtual reality (VR).
Curriculum
The Interior Design program utilizes creativity, art, science, and technology to create imaginative, functional, and inspiring spaces that:
- Serve the needs, function, and requirements of individuals
- Provide a sense of place and attachment to those in interior environments
- Are conceived responsibly and in ways that are sustainable
- Engage all stakeholders as active participants in the design process
Graduates of the program develop on all levels: as thoughtful leaders, innovators, collaborators, and as ethical and socially engaged human beings. The program prepares students for a variety of professional careers. Students gain experience in many sectors of design, such as workplace design, retail, healthcare, residential, and hospitality design.
Plan of Study
The four-year program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). For those upper-level students interested in graduate-level studies, the program offers a 4+1 option, which allows them to receive a Master of Interior Design requiring only one additional year.
Critical Tracking
Critical Tracking records each student's progress in courses that are required for progress toward each major. The critical-tracking requirements are as follows:
- Semester 1:
- Complete ARC 1301, DCP 1003, IND 1020, and IND 2100 with minimum grades of C
- 2.6 UF GPA required
- Semester 2:
- Complete ARC 1302 and IND 2130 with minimum grades of C
- 2.6 UF GPA required
- Semester 3:
- Complete ARH 2051, IND 2313, and IND 2635
- 2.8 UF GPA required
- Semester 4:
- Complete IND 2214 and IND 2460C
- Successfully complete the selective admissions guidelines
- 2.85 UF GPA required
- Complete MAC 1147 and PHY 2053 prior to moving into Semester 5
- Semester 5:
- Complete IND 3215, IND 3468, and IND 3483
- Semester 6:
- Complete IND 3216
- Semester 7:
- Complete IND 4225
- Semester 8:
- Complete IND 4226
Student Learning Outcomes
The program is designed to help students achieve the following learning outcomes:
- Identify and apply life safety codes related to the built environment
- Identify and apply inclusive and universal design principles to design solutions
- Analyze and synthesize programmatic and contextual information related to design problems and generate design solutions that respond to those realities and needs
- Communicate design ideas clearly and effectively orally and through drawings and other visual media
Assessment Types
The program uses the following assessment types:
- Exams, research papers, and projects (lecture and construction lab courses)
- Individual project work, portfolios, and juried presentations (design studios)
- Design field experience and employer evaluations
- CIDA accreditation program completion and senior portfolio
Before Graduating
Before graduating, students must:
- Complete Council of Interior Design Accreditation academic requirements
- Receive acceptable review and assessment of studio work from faculty, industry professionals, and peers
- Complete Design Field Experience assessments
- Submit senior project
- Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty
The University of Florida's Interior Design program is a comprehensive and well-structured program that prepares students for a successful career in interior design. With its strong focus on creativity, sustainability, and problem-solving, the program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field.