Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design (BFA)

Offered at The Art Institute of Charlotte , The Art Institute of Dallas , and The Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham .

Program Description

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design degree program is rich in theory and practice. The focus on theory at the beginning of the program articulates the guiding principles which provide the foundation for the hands-on application of design concepts. Students have the opportunity to develop abilities in all aspects of the design of three-dimensional space, residential and commercial, rooted in historical and cultural context. They can learn to communicate design solutions through a variety of visual media, interface with professionals and manage the business of their profession. Students can develop aesthetic and ethical sensitivities over the course of the program, preparing them to seek entry-level employment in the fields of commercial and/or residential interior design upon graduation.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates should be able to:

Problem Solving - Solve complex interior design problems using the design process and their knowledge of interior design principles, theories and applications to analyze the client profile and project program, both individually and collaboratively
Communication - Provide interior design services using effective oral, written, and visual communication employing a variety of means, methods and technologies, in both 2- and 3-dimensions
Building Systems - Produce interior design solutions that constructively integrate with available building, environmental, and property management systems, as well as prevailing standards of use, maintenance and sustainability
Interior Finish Materials - Specify and apply to their interior design solutions finish materials that meet prevailing standards of use, maintenance, sustainability, regulatory compliance, and aesthetics
Professionalism - Provide professional services based on the interior design body of knowledge with a standard of care that both meets client needs and protects the health, safety, and welfare of the public in an ethical and legal manner resulting from exposure to academic and real-world experiences

Requirements for Graduation

Credit Hours: 180
Number of Weeks: 132 (12 quarters)
Contact Hours: 2,552

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design: 180 Credits

Program-specific Courses: 132 Credits

FND105 Design Fundamentals 3 credit hours
FND110 Observational Drawing 3 credit hours
FND120 Perspective Drawing 3 credit hours
FND135 Image Manipulation 3 credit hours
FND150 Digital Color Theory 3 credit hours
GWDA101 Applications and Industry 3 credit hours
INTA101 Architectural Drafting 3 credit hours
INTA102 Introduction to Interior Design 3 credit hours
INTA103 CAD I 3 credit hours
INTA105 Sketching and Ideation 3 credit hours
INTA107 History of Architecture, Interiors and Furniture I 3 credit hours
INTA111 Space Planning 3 credit hours
INTA112 Design Basics 3D 3 credit hours
INTA122 Textiles 3 credit hours
INTA201 Materials and Specifications 3 credit hours
INTA202 Presentation Techniques 3 credit hours
INTA203 CAD II 3 credit hours
INTA207 History of Architecture, Interiors and Furniture II 3 credit hours
INTA211 Codes and Regulations 3 credit hours
INTA212 Residential Design I 3 credit hours
INTA222 Human Factors 3 credit hours
INTA232 Lighting Design 3 credit hours
INTA242 Commercial Design I 3 credit hours
INTA252 Interior Detailing 3 credit hours
INTA262 Construction Documents I 3 credit hours
INTA302 Residential Design II 3 credit hours
INTA303 Digital Modeling I 3 credit hours
INTA306 Professional Practice 3 credit hours
INTA312 Global Design 3 credit hours
INTA313 Digital Modeling II 3 credit hours
INTA322 Building and Mechanical Systems 3 credit hours
INTA332 Environmental and Sustainable Design 3 credit hours
INTA342 Commercial Design II 3 credit hours
INTA352 Hospitality Design 3 credit hours
INTA362 Kitchen and Bath Design 3 credit hours
INTA402 Senior Studio I 3 credit hours
INTA406 Internship 3 credit hours
INTA409 Portfolio 3 credit hours
INTA412 Institutional Design 3 credit hours
INTA422 Senior Studio II 6 credit hours
3 Program Electives 9 credit hours

Interior Design students should meet with the Academic Director/Program Coordinator for approval of electives based on students’ area of interest

General Education: 48 Credits

COM101 Oral Communications 4 credit hours
ENG104 Composition 4 credit hours
GE2024 Art History I 4 credit hours
GE2084 Writing II 4 credit hours
GE3004 Art History II 4 credit hours
GE3014 Perspectives in Global Economics 4 credit hours
GE3024 Environmental Science 4 credit hours
HUM101 Introduction to Humanities 4 credit hours
MAT100 College Mathematics 4 credit hours
PSY101 Psychology 4 credit hours

General Education Electives:

Humanities/Fine Arts Electives: (Select 1)
ENG307 Twentieth Century Poetry 4 credit hours
ENG310 Topics in American Literature 4 credit hours
ENG311 Topics in British Literature 4 credit hours
ENG312 Women in Literature 4 credit hours
GE3034 Transformations & Adaptations 4 credit hours
GE3054 Myths & Mythology 4 credit hours
GE3084 Creative Writing 4 credit hours
GE3114 Film Appreciation 4 credit hours
GE4014 Survey of World Religions 4 credit hours
GE4024 Western Civilization 4 credit hours
GE4044 Southern Fiction 4 credit hours
GE4064 Spanish 4 credit hours
Social/Behavioral Sciences Electives: (Select 1)
GE2054 Social Psychology 4 credit hours
GE3074 Principles of American Politics 4 credit hours
SOC101 Sociology 4 credit hours

Note(s):

In compliance with revised accreditation standards, the following policy is in effect for students enrolled in the Interior Design program at The Art Institute of Dallas, a campus of South University: the scope of accreditation does not extend to students taking 25% or more of the interior design courses required for graduation and/or 50% of the general education courses required for graduation through online delivery methods and/or non-CIDA accredited programs.