Interior Design (B.S.)

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:

Upon completing their degree, B.S. graduates will be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:

• Understand the basic principles and applications of design and color in two and three dimensions, particularly with regard to human response and behavior. Design principles include, but are not limited to, an understanding of basic visual elements and principles of organization and expression.
• Apply their knowledge of design and color principles in a wide variety of residential and nonresidential projects. This requires an in-depth knowledge of the aesthetic properties of structure and surface, space and scale, materials, furniture, artifacts, textiles, lighting and the ability to research and solve problems creatively in ways that pertain to the function, quality and effect of specific interior programs.Knowledge of human factors and theories of human behavior related to the built environment that can inform interior design.
• Develop design solutions that pertain to the functional and behavioral requirements of specific interior design problems. Students are expected to synthesize the design solutions by using materials, furniture, textiles, color, lighting and space planning. This requires that students understand the technical issues of human factors, including areas such as programming, environmental control systems, anthropometrics, ergonomics and proximities. The ability to integrate human factor considerations with design elements is essential.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the technical aspects of construction and building systems and energy conservation, as well as working knowledge of legal codes and regulations related to construction, environmental systems and human health and safety, and the ability to apply such knowledge appropriately in specific projects.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate concepts and requirements to the broad spectrum of professionals and clients involved or potentially involved with 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.
• Demonstrate functional knowledge of production elements such as installation procedures, project management and specification of materials and equipment.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the history of art, architecture, decorative arts and interior design.
• Demonstrate functional knowledge of basic business practices and ethical practices in interior design.
• Demonstrate an understanding of research theories and methodologies related to or concerned with interior design.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply their learning and become oriented to the working profession, through field experience, internships or participation in interior design organizations.

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: