Program Overview

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interiors: Planning/Strategy/Design program focuses on the thoughtful design and strategic planning of interior spaces that enhance human experience, functionality, and sustainability. Students explore topics such as spatial design, human-centered planning, materials and finishes, building systems, and design research. The curriculum blends creative design principles with technical knowledge, preparing students to approach interior environments holistically—from concept development to execution.

Who is this Program For?

The bachelor's degree program in Interiors: Planning/Strategy/Design is perfect for students interested in creating functional and inspiring interior spaces that enhance quality of life. Graduates gain expertise in space planning, design strategy, and materials selection, preparing them for careers as interior designers, space planners, or design consultants in residential, commercial, and sustainable design sectors.

Accreditation

Our Interior Design program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), the leading accreditor that sets rigorous standards for excellence in higher education in interior design. This endorsement means our curriculum, faculty, and outcomes are professionally vetted, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for entry-level practice, advanced study, or eligibility for certifications.

Related Careers

• Commercial Design
  • Hospitality Design
  • Residential Design
  • Furniture Design
  • Industrial Design
  • Exhibit Design
  • Event Planning
  • Visual Merchandising
  • Healthcare Design
  • Lighting Design

Program Details

• Offered by: College of Design
• Credit Hours: 128
• Credential: BFA

Admission Requirements

• Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum
• Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission

Application Requirements

• Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score
• Program Specific Requirements:
  • A written essay response to a provided statement about the School and its approach to the study of design for Interiors
  • Creation of an original 2D or 3D composition and submission of one photograph / image of that work

Application Deadlines

Freshman

• Early Action: 12/01/2025
• Regular Decision: 02/15/2026

Transfer

• Fall: 02/15/2026

Curriculum

The curriculum is divided into four years:

Freshman Year

• Total Freshman Credit Hours: 32
  • Fall Semester: 15 Credit Hours
    • UKCRCC1: UK Core - Comp. & Comm. I
    • UKCRACR: UK Core - Arts and Creativity
    • ID 121: DESIGN STUDIO 1
    • ID 161: HISTORY AND THEORY 1
    • ID 171: DESIGN PROFESSION 1
  • Spring Semester: 17 Credit Hours
    • ID 122: DESIGN STUDIO 2
    • ID 162: HISTORY AND THEORY 2
    • UKCRNPM: UK Core - Natural, Physical and Math
    • UKCRGDY: UK Core - Global Dynamics
    • UKCRCCC: UK Core - Community, Culture and Citizen

Sophomore Year

• Total Sophomore Credit Hours: 33
  • Fall Semester: 17 Credit Hours
    • ID 221: DESIGN STUDIO 3
    • ID 231: DESIGN COMMUNICATION 3
    • ID 241: CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS
    • ID 251: FINISH MATERIALS
    • ID 271: DESIGN PROFESSION 2
    • UKCRCC2: UK Core - Comp. & Comm. II
  • Spring Semester: 16 Credit Hours
    • ID 222: DESIGN STUDIO 4
    • ID 232: DESIGN COMMUNICATION 4
    • GCCR course
    • ID 242: ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS
    • ID 252: LIGHTING
    • IPSDDIRECTED: Directed Elective

Junior Year

• Total Junior Credit Hours: 33-42
  • Fall Semester: 16-17 Credit Hours
    • ID 321: DESIGN STUDIO 5
    • ID 331: DESIGN COMMUNICATION 5
    • ID 371: DESIGN PROFESSION 3
    • UKCRQFO: UK Core - Quantitative Foundations
    • IPSDDIRECTED: Directed Elective
  • Spring Semester: 17-25 Credit Hours
    • ID 322: DESIGN STUDIO 6
    • ID 332: DESIGN COMMUNICATION 6
    • ID 362: ENVIRONMENTAL THEORY
    • ID 373: DESIGN PROFESSION 4
    • UKCRSSC: UK Core - Social Sciences
    • IPSDDIRECTED: Directed Elective

Senior Year

• Total Senior Credit Hours: 30
  • Fall Semester: 16 Credit Hours
    • ID 421: DESIGN STUDIO 7
    • ID 461: CAPSTONE THEORY AND RESEARCH
    • ID 471: DESIGN PROFESSION 5
    • IPSDDIRECTED: Directed Elective
    • IPSDARTHIST: Art History course
  • Spring Semester: 14 Credit Hours
    • ID 422: DESIGN STUDIO 8
    • UKCRSIR: UK Core - Statistical Inferential Reason
    • IPSDDIRECTED: Directed Elective
    • IPSDDIRECTED: Directed Elective

Accelerated Pathway

This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a master's degree, AMP can save you time and money with dual credit hours by signing-up when you have earned between 60-105 credit hours as an undergraduate student at UK.