Interior Design
Designing functional, human-centered interior spaces.
Interior design studies how to plan and design interior spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically considered, homes, offices, healthcare facilities, retail. It combines design principles with technical knowledge of materials, building codes, and spatial planning.
Studio projects simulate real design problems, working from a client brief through space planning, material selection, and presentation, often using CAD and 3D modeling software used in professional practice.
Typical courses you might take
- ✓Design Fundamentals
- ✓Spatial Planning
- ✓Materials & Finishes
- ✓Lighting Design
- ✓Building Codes & Regulations
- ✓CAD & 3D Modeling for Interiors
- ✓Sustainable Design Practices
- ✓Portfolio / Senior Design Studio
Sample four-year plan
Illustrative, not a registration planOne possible way these courses could be sequenced alongside general education and elective credit. Real programs vary in order, pacing, and prerequisites by school, use this to get a rough sense of the arc, not to plan actual registration.
- ✓Design Fundamentals
- +General education requirement
- ✓Spatial Planning
- +General education requirement
- ✓Materials & Finishes
- +General education requirement
- ✓Lighting Design
- +Free elective
- ✓Building Codes & Regulations
- +Free elective
- ✓CAD & 3D Modeling for Interiors
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Sustainable Design Practices
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Portfolio / Senior Design Studio
- +Capstone, thesis, or culminating project (common in many programs)
Skills you'll build
This major might be a good fit if you...
- ★Visually and spatially minded
- ★Interested in how spaces affect how people live and work
- ★Comfortable with both creative design and technical regulation
- ★Detail-oriented about materials and functionality
Common minors & double-major pairings
Architecture · Business Administration · Sustainability Studies
Frequently asked questions
What is a Interior Design major?
Designing functional, human-centered interior spaces.
What courses do Interior Design majors take?
Typical coursework includes classes like Design Fundamentals, Spatial Planning, Materials & Finishes, among others, see the full course list above for this major's typical lineup.
What skills do you build in a Interior Design program?
Interior Design coursework typically builds skills like Spatial planning and design, Understanding materials, finishes, and lighting, CAD and 3D modeling software proficiency, Building code and regulatory literacy.
Is Interior Design a good major for me?
It tends to be a good fit if signals like "Visually and spatially minded" or "Interested in how spaces affect how people live and work" describe you. See the full "good fit if you..." list above for more.
What other majors pair well with Interior Design?
Common minor or double-major pairings include Architecture, Business Administration, Sustainability Studies.
How is Interior Design different from Architecture?
They're related but distinct. Interior Design: Designing functional, human-centered interior spaces. Architecture: Designing buildings that are functional, safe, and meaningful. Use the compare tool to see courses and skills side by side.
How long does it take to earn a Interior Design degree?
Most bachelor's degrees, including this one, are designed to be completed in about four years of full-time study. Exact timing depends on your school, course load, transfer credit, and any changes of major along the way.
Printed from majoratlas.com/majors/interior-design