SDSU School of Art, Design, and Art History

Undergraduate Interior Design Studies

General Overview

The faculty of the Interior Design Program believes that the interior designer must respond to all of the needs of human beings: aesthetic, spiritual, physical, social and cultural. The focus of the design student must always be the human condition and its context.

We are also committed to the attitude that interior design is essentially an expressive art form applied to the solution of human problems in three-dimensional space and form. Our curriculum, therefore, is based within the applied arts and the liberal arts. It is directed toward the universal aspects of the design experience in the belief that the most serviceable education will prepare a student to adapt to a constantly changing world, and to assume a role of leadership and responsibility within a global society.

Specifically, our purpose is to educate students by encouraging and facilitating their development both intellectually and artistically, through the study of interior design as an evolving discipline and an applied art form. Our mission is to prepare the students for professional involvement in the interior design field, with their foci and actions directed towards the betterment of the human experience; and, to contribute to the advancement of the profession. Further our mission is to instill in our students an understanding of the implications and responsibilities of interior design practitioners and the importance of ethical professional conduct within their immediate contexts, and extending to their regional and global communities.

Coursework Overview

The Interior Design emphasis is committed to offering a broad, liberal education to its students as well as preparing them for participation in the profession. The interior designer must respond to all of the needs of human beings: aesthetic, spiritual, physical, social and cultural. The focus of the design student, therefore, must be upon the human condition within the proximate environment. The Interior Design program is committed to the attitude that interior design is essentially an expressive art form applied to the solution of human problems in three-dimensional space and form.

The curriculum of Interior Design is directed toward the universal aspects of the design experience in the belief that the most serviceable education will prepare a student to survive professionally in a constantly changing world. Key elements in the student's education are the ability to identify problems, collect and analyze pertinent data, synthesize concepts, and offer creative solutions.

Download an Undergraduate Checklist for degree requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Interior Design program accredited?

The Interior Design program currently is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and by the Foundation of Interior Design Education and Research (FIDER).

Should I complete my general education requirements first?

The Art Major is designed to begin with the freshman year. First-year students should take the first half of the School's Core requirement, which includes Art 100 (Drawing and Composition), Art 101 (Two Dimensional Design and Color) and Art 258 (Appreciation and History of Art). In the second semester students should take Art 102 (Drawing and Composition), Art 103 (Three Dimensional Design), Art 148 (Visual Presentation I) and Art 259 (Appreciation and History of Art).

At the sophomore level, students take courses in their specific area. Interior Design students take Art 247 (The House and Its Environment), Art 248 (Visual Presentation II) and Art 251 (Interior Design I) in their first semester; and Art 249 (Visual Presentation III) and Art 250 (The Contemporary House) in the second. Proof of prerequisites is required. It is recommended when planning each semester's schedule of classes students take courses from both the major and general education.

When do I complete the portfolio review?

A portfolio review is required before students are allowed to advance to upper division courses. The review requirements are met by successful completion of Art 148, 248, 249, 250, and 251; or by review of a portfolio of work submitted to the area faculty before the start of the semester.

Can I take several upper division interior design studios in one semester?

Simultaneous enrollment is permitted for Art 451 (Interior Design II) and Art 453 (Interior Design III); however, Art 552 (Interior Design IV) and Art 553 (Interior Design V) must be taken sequentially, one at a time.

Where can I get more advising information?

Please refer to the Advising page for more information.

Admissions and Financial Assistance

You can learn more detailed information about the admissions process on the Undergraduate Admissions page. For more information on financial assistance, please visit our Financial Aid page or our student scholarships page to find scholarships available through the School of Art, Design, and Art History.

Professional Oragnizations for Students

The Interior Design program sponsors a student chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)(external link), which provides guest lectures, professional networking opportunities and career days for the interior design students. It also allows students to interact with other students and assume leadership roles within organization. Student membership earns students the privilege of Allied Membership in the national organization of ASID upon graduation.

Facilities

Read detailed information on our facilities on the Interior Design Facilities page, where you can also link to other interdisciplinary facilities within the School of Art, Design, and Art History.

You can also read more about local art material supplier resources on our Art Supplies page, as well as learn more about our library research facilities by visiting SDSU's Love Library website(external link).

The Faculty

To contact or learn more about individual faculty in this department, please refer to the Interior Design department directory listing.

This page was last updated at 11:00AM on October 16, 2008