Bachelor of fine arts

Interior Design

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design 

The Interior Design program in the School of Architecture and Design at AIU has been designed to be academically strong and meet the international standards of interior design education. It integrates theory and professional practice to best prepare students with a strong background in design, and management of the profession for a globally competitive career set. The curriculum introduces students to an extensive professional skill they need for the successful execution of creative ideas.

The curriculum allows students to develop projects in residential, commercial, and specific spaces.  The curriculum emphasizes the preparation of students for the demands of practice while encouraging personal direction in their work. The graduation project courses focus on the development and presentation of a professional portfolio that prepares students to grasp career opportunities in the field.

Furthermore, students gain valuable exposure to the professional world through an internship course and collaborating with various design companies. This experience equips them with the skills and insights needed for a successful career in the field.

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate of typical standard will be able to:

  • approach interior design projects confidently by applying a rigorous design process and planning interior spaces using program information that efficiently addresses client needs, furniture, budgets, and environmental issues.
  • estimate the cultural, historical, and socioeconomic context of interior and furniture design and its relationship to the community.
  • apply and integrate computer technology and digital media in interior design processes and products.
  • demonstrate competence in illustrative sketching, rendering, and drawing in perspective, presentation of color, materials, and furnishing to create graphic illustrations that accurately portray interior design solutions.
  • work collaboratively with various design teams involved in the industry.
  • balance creative problem-solving with theory, research, practical skills, and technology.
     

Suggested Degree Plan

What can I do with my major?

Career Opportunities

  • Residential Interior Designer
  • Commercial Interior Designer
  • Hospitality Designer
  • Healthcare Designer
  • Kitchen & Bath Designer
  • Sustainable Design Specialist
  • Furniture Designer
  • Set Designer
  • Exhibition Designer
  • Design Consultant
  • Teacher or Education Specialist

 

Degree Requirements

The School of  Architecture and Design offers two majors: Graphic Design and Interior Design.

School of Architecture and Design Requirements 
Students in the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design program must complete a minimum of 121 credits including satisfaction of all degree requirements of AIU. All coursework must be completed in accordance with the academic rules of AIU and those of the department.

General Education Requirements 

            36 credits

School Core Requirements

            24 credits

Major Requirements

            61 credits

Total Credits Required for Degree (minimum)

           121 credits

General Education Requirements
American International University has established seven competencies that form the foundation of the learning outcomes in our courses. Upon successful completion of the General Education program, students will be able to demonstrate:

  • Critical thinking
  • Effective communication
  • Ethical reasoning
  • Global self-awareness
  • Information literacy
  • Mathematical and scientific reasoning
  • Quantitative and IT Literacy

With the understanding that our students will specialize in a variety of academic majors, the General Education Program requirements are designed to ensure that all students will acquire experiential and activity-based learning and the application of knowledge in concrete situations as part of their AIU experience.  

Required Interior Design Courses
All Interior Design students must complete the following courses. Students are responsible for observing all course prerequisites and limitations.

  • Technical Drawing
  • Architectural Drawing
  • CAD I
  • CAD II 
  • Interior Design Studio I
  • Interior Design Studio II
  • Interior Perspective & Illustration
  • Interior Design Studio III
  • Furniture & Product Design
  • Interior Design Studio IV
  • Building Construction Systems I
  • Building Construction Systems II
  • Interior Materials
  • Lighting Systems
  • Internship
  • Senior Design Project I
  • Senior Design Project II
  • ARD/ARH/IDE Elective (see list)
  • ARD/ARH/IDE Elective (see list)
  • Design Studio Elective (any ARD/GRD/IDE course)

Interior Design Electives

  • Time-Based Art & Design
  • Intermediate Drawing 
  • History of Modern Design I
  • Landscaping
  • History of Modern Design II
  • Twentieth Century Art
  • Contemporary Art
  • Design Concept & Representation
  • 3D Model Construction
  • Interior Design Trends
  • Environmental Design
  • Interior Architecture
  • Ergonomics in Interior Design
  • Directed Study in Interior Design
  • Special Topics
  • Directed Project in Interior Design

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