Interior Design Program

Location: Family Life 320
Phone: (435) 797-1557
FAX: (435) 797-8245
E-mail: interiors@cc.usu.edu
WWW: http://interiordesign.usu.edu/

Academic Advisor: Marcia Roberts, University Reserve 107, (435) 797-8096, marcia.roberts@usu.edu

Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Interior Design (BID); Master of Science (MS) in Human Environments, with a specialization in Interior Design

Overview

The program in interior design includes a Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) and an MS in Human Environments with a specialization in Interior Design. These degrees have been developed to prepare students for entry into the varied professions of interior design. Students identify, research, and creatively solve problems pertaining to the function and quality of the interior environment. Students also gain an understanding of the legal and ethical issues that guide and direct the profession.

An interior designer renders professional services with respect to both commercial and residential spaces. These services include programming, design analysis, space planning, aesthetics, interior construction, drafting, building codes, equipment, materials, and furnishings, in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

Undergraduate Programs

The Interior Design Program provides foundation training and technical skill building during the freshman and sophomore years. This is followed by a review process which determines if this is the degree the student will pursue. The available degree is Bachelor of Interior Design (BID).

Departmental Honors

Students who would like to experience greater academic depth within their major are encouraged to enroll in departmental honors. Through original, independent work, Honors students enjoy the benefits of close supervision and mentoring, as they work one-on-one with faculty in select upper-division departmental courses. Honors students also complete a senior project, which provides another opportunity to collaborate with faculty on a problem that is significant, both personally and in the student’s discipline. Participating in departmental honors enhances students’ chances for obtaining fellowships and admission to graduate school. Minimum GPA requirements for participation in departmental honors vary by department, but usually fall within the range of 3.30-3.50. Students may enter the Honors Program at almost any stage in their academic career, including at the junior (and sometimes senior) level. The campus-wide Honors Program, which is open to all qualified students regardless of major, offers a rich array of cultural and social activities, special classes, and the benefit of Honors early registration. Interested students should contact the Honors Program, Main 15, (435) 797-2715, honors@usu.edu. Additional information can be found online at: http://www.usu.edu/honors/

Laptop Computer Requirement

It is strongly recommended that freshmen have a laptop computer. Students entering sophomore-level interior design courses must have their own laptop computer. Specifications for the laptop will be provided by the Interior Design Program. Computer specifications can be found at: http://interiordesign.usu.edu/.

Freshman/First-Year Review

During the first years of the program, all students are pre-interior design majors. All USU freshman students who are considering the Interior Design Program must participate in a first-year review which assesses basic skills and creativity. First-year review information and instructions can be found on the program’s website at: http://interiordesign.usu.edu/. Selected students will then be allowed to register for Architectural Graphics I (ID 2710) and Computer Aided Drafting and Design I (ID 2750).

Transfer students who desire to enter the program are required to submit an application/portfolio packet, available from the Interior Design Office, by April 1st for the following semester. The final selection of students to matriculate into the program is a decision of the Interior Design faculty. Successful applicants are notified no later than June 1st. Transfer student work will be reviewed in conjunction with the first-year students. The cut-off deadline for transfer student work review is April 1st for admission the following fall semester.

Sophomore/Second-Year Review

Students are also required to have their portfolios reviewed during the spring semester of the second year, prior to being matriculated to junior class standing. The review takes place during the spring semester of a student’s sophomore year in the program. Students wishing to enroll in junior-level courses must submit a portfolio demonstrating creative potential, problem-solving skills, and graphic fluency; and cumulative GPA from ID required courses.

Transfer students who desire to enter the program are required to submit a portfolio of their work, including a brief description of any courses that the student would like to articulate. Transfer students are admitted into the program only for the following fall semester, and only if a space is available. After June 30, portfolios will not be reviewed for the following fall semester. The final selection of students to matriculate into the program is a decision of the Interior Design faculty.

Tours

Students need to be more aware of their historical and contemporary surroundings. When students are exposed to design and culture outside of the state, their world views expand. Directly applying these influences will improve their design skills.

The Interior Design Program sponsors a national or international design tour every other year. These tours include a variety of learning and teaching opportunities, which include individual and group tutorials, projects, seminars, lectures, and visits to museums, galleries, and studios. Students may receive credit for these tours through the Interior Design Travel Course (ID 4780). Students should participate in at least one travel event while enrolled in the program.

Interior Design Programmatic Learning Objectives

1. Students will research and apply elements and principles of interior design.
2. Students will interact and apply design skills in collaborative and professional environments.
3. Students will be given a base from which to specify appropriate materials and products for interior environments.
4. The program will prepare students for activities involving laws, codes, and best sustainability and environmental practices.
5. The program will provide educational and technical curriculum that addresses Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) standards.

Assessment

Every six years, the Interior Design Program undergoes a rigorous accreditation assessment by the program’s national accreditation board, the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). CIDA learning objectives are incorporated into course content, and are also explained and mapped in the accreditation section of the Interior Design website. See Learning Objectives link and Mapping link at: interiordesign.usu.edu/assessment.aspx

The Interior Design Program’s learning objectives are in accordance with national CIDA standards. Assessing whether or not objectives have been met involves analysis of curriculum, syllabi, project demonstrations or briefs, handouts, and blank exams, as well as reviews of student work.

Additional Information

Please see the Interior Design website at interiordesign.usu.edu/news.aspx for more information about the Interior Design program.

Interior Design Faculty

Associate Professor
JoAnn Wilson, Commercial Sales and Architecture

Associate Professor
Darrin S. Brooks, residential design and interior history

Assistant Professor
T. Stefan Bruce, Commercial Design

Lecturers
Steven R. Mansfield, architecture and computer aided design
Susan Tibbitts, architectural graphics, sales and marketing