Introduction to the Interior Design Program

The University of Oklahoma’s Division of Interior Design offers a student-centered Bachelor of Interior Design program focused on excellence in education, research, and community engagement. Accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, the curriculum prepares students for professional practice through industry-relevant coursework and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Program Overview

The program equips graduates with the skills and connections to thrive in a competitive field. Recently ranked among DesignIntelligence’s "Most Hired From", the program combines studio work with theory to prepare students for real-world challenges.

What is Interior Design?

Interior design is the art and science of shaping spaces to improve how people live, work, and interact. It goes beyond choosing colors and furniture. Designers plan and manage projects that meet building codes, safety regulations, and accessibility standards. They blend creativity with technical skill, considering lighting, materials, acoustics, and human behavior to support well-being.

Location

The program is located in Norman, Oklahoma.

Degree Offered

• Bachelor of Interior Design
• Interior Design Minors

Division

The program is part of the Division of Interior Design.

What Sets Our Interior Design Program Apart

• Interdisciplinary Learning That Mirrors the Real World: Students learn alongside peers in architecture, construction science, landscape architecture, city planning, and environmental design.
• Exceptional Learning Spaces and Resources: The program is supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including:
  • Studio Classrooms: Flexible, project-based learning spaces that encourage collaboration and critique.
  • Interior Design Materials Library: Thousands of finish samples from global manufacturers, regularly updated with the latest products and technologies.
  • Lighting Lab: Hands-on experience with lighting equipment to understand how light shapes interior environments.
  • Creating-Making Labs: Access to CNC machines, 3D printers, woodworking tools, a metals shop, and more for prototyping and custom design work.
  • Digital Design Labs: Equipped with industry-standard software and specialized tools to support advanced digital workflows.

Program Highlights

• Outstanding Career Outcomes: Nearly all graduates have secured jobs in their field within six months.
• Furniture Design Studio: Students design and build full-scale furniture prototypes, blending creativity, craftsmanship, and design innovation.
• Program Duration: On average, 4 years.
• Faculty-to-Student Ratio: 15 students per faculty member.
• Median Salary: $75,850.

Curriculum

The Interior Design program offers a 120-credit-hour curriculum, with 76 hours dedicated to major coursework. Studio courses form the foundation of the program, emphasizing project-based learning that reflects professional design practice.

Admissions Requirements

Any student who is admitted to the University of Oklahoma can declare Interior Design as their major. However, admission to the third and fourth years of the Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) program requires meeting specific academic standards. Students must maintain a minimum 2.50 OU and combined retention GPA for admission to the upper-level program.

Accreditation

The interior design program leading to the Bachelor of Interior Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. 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.

Program Goals

• Equip students with the skills needed to enhance the human experience through a holistic approach to understanding and responding to the psychological and physical needs of people.
• Create a community of inclusion and participation through a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
• Promote global stewardship with opportunities to serve society through community-engaged service-learning projects across the curriculum.
• Engage design professionals and alumni who support students through mentoring and sharing of knowledge and experience.
• Evolve and respond to the needs of the profession and CIDA accreditation requirements through ongoing assessments of and improvements to the curriculum.
• Provide resources including laboratories, tools, and equipment to support student learning.
• Maintain high job placement rates for graduates of the program.

Program Outcomes

• 2024:
  • Job Placement: 96% of the students who graduated in May 2024 were employed with discipline-related jobs within six months of graduation.
  • Acceptance into Graduate Programs: 4% of the graduating students applied for graduate school.
  • Graduation Rates: 65% of the students from the class of 2024 graduated in 4 years.
  • Retention/Attrition: 95% of Interior Design majors enrolled during the Spring 2024 semester returned in Fall 2024, putting attrition at 5%.
• 2023:
  • Job Placement: 100% of the students that graduated in May 2023 were employed with discipline-related jobs within six months of graduation.
  • Acceptance into Graduate Programs: 0% of the graduating students applied for graduate school.
  • Graduation Rates: 73% of the students from the class of 2023 graduated in 4 years.
  • Retention/Attrition: 93% of Interior Design majors enrolled during the Spring 2023 semester returned in Fall 2023, putting attrition at 7%.
• 2022:
  • Job Placement: 100% of the students that graduated in May 2022 were employed with discipline-related jobs within six months of graduation.
  • Acceptance into Graduate Programs: 0% of the graduating students applied for graduate school.
  • Graduation Rates: 50% of the students from the class of 2022 graduated in 4 years.
  • Retention/Attrition: 95% of Interior Design majors enrolled during the Spring 2022 semester returned in Fall 2022, putting attrition at 5%.

University of Oklahoma Summary

---

Overview:

The University of Oklahoma (OU) is a comprehensive research university with a strong focus on innovation and educational excellence. It is a major contributor to the state of Oklahoma, impacting the lives of Oklahomans through scholarship, research, and healthcare. OU boasts a diverse student body representing 50 states, 76 Oklahoma counties, and 125+ countries.

---

Services Offered:

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

OU offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with over 400 student organizations. The university has a strong sense of community and is known for its spirited and driven atmosphere.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Research Focus:

OU is a highly ranked research university, designated as a Highest Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation.

Top-Ranked Programs:

OU is ranked #1 in the country for Aviation and Atmospheric Science & Meteorology.

Diverse Student Body:

OU welcomes students from across the globe, fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment.

Vibrant Campus Life:

With over 400 student organizations, OU offers a wide range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and build community.

---

Academic Programs:

OU offers over 170 academic programs across various disciplines. The university is particularly known for its strengths in research, aviation, atmospheric science, and healthcare.

---

Other:

• OU has three campuses located in Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa.
• The university is committed to supporting the state of Oklahoma through its research and educational initiatives.
• OU has a strong alumni network, with 80% of Oklahoma's healthcare professionals being OU graduates.