Mar 29, 2024  
2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin [Archived Catalog]

Interior Design (B.S.)


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Program: B.S.
Department of Visual Communication and Design
College of Visual and Performing Arts

Visual Arts Building 213 ~ 260-481-6709 ~ www.ipfw.edu/vcd/


The student learning outcomes for the degree are as follows:

The graduates will have:

  • A global view and weigh design decisions within the parameters of ecological, socio-economic, and cultural contexts.
  • Knowledge of human factors and theories of human behavior related to the built environment that can inform interior design.
  • An ability to apply all aspects of the design process to creative problem solving and an understanding of design process that enables designers to identify and explore complex problems and generate creative solutions in order to optimize the human experience within the interior environment.
  • An ability to engage in multi-disciplinary collaboration.
  • An ability to use ethical and accepted standards of practice and an understanding of the importance to commit to professional development and the industry as well as have an understanding of the value of their contribution to the built environment.
  • An ability to apply knowledge of interiors, architecture, decorative arts, and art within a historical and cultural context.
  • An ability to apply elements and principles of two and three-dimensional design in interior design project.
  • An ability to apply color principles and theories.
  • An ability to select and specify furniture, fixtures, equipment and finish materials in interior spaces.
  • An ability to use the principles of lighting and acoustics to enhance the health, safety, welfare, and performance of building occupants.
  • Knowledge of building systems and interior construction.
  • An ability to use laws, codes, standards, and guidelines that impact the design of interior spaces.
  • An ability to communicate to the broad range of professionals and clients involved in interior design projects. Such communication involves verbal, written and representational media in both two and three dimensions and encompasses a range from initial sketch to finished design.
  • An ability to gather information, conduct research, and apply research and analysis to design projects.

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Interior Design is a four-year program that provides graduates with knowledge and skills that enable them to pursue many career opportunities in interior design, interior architecture, architectural design, facility planning, building construction industry and many other design related fields.

The Bachelor of Science in Interior Design program requires 120 credit hours. The curriculum includes IPFW general education requirements and core courses in interior design principles, space planning, furniture and interior design history, computer graphics and modeling, professional practice and sequential design studio courses at different levels. Two sequential senior studio courses with the co-requisite interdisciplinary course allow students to develop an area of design specialty in healthcare design, educational design, hospitality design, retail design, residential design and many other different type of projects. You must earn a grade of C or better in each required INTR course, and complete the requirements are listed below:

IPFW General Education Requirements Credits: 33


See Part 2 General Education Requirements for approved courses 

A grade of C- or better is required in each course used to satisfy the IPFW general education requirements.

Elective Courses (12 Credits)


  • Interior Design Electives Credits: 6
    (department-approved courses)
  • Interdisciplinary Design Topic Elective Credits: 3
    (department-approved courses)
  • Computer Graphics/Drawing Elective Credits: 3
    (department-approved courses)

Total Credits: 120


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