Interior Design BS
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Minimum Required Credits: 125
Co-op Option(s): One Co-op, No Co-op
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 50.0408
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 27-1025
About the Program
Drexel University's undergraduate Interior Design program explores the behavioral, technological, environmental, and aesthetic aspects of interior design within the context of increasingly more complex design projects. Through the integration of art and architectural history, and general education requirements, a core of interior design courses creates a unique education at the forefront of design. The Interior Design program prepares students for leadership positions in the industry.
Anchored in problem‑solving design studios, guided by dedicated, accomplished faculty, and enriched by a premier full‑time cooperative education experience, the program equips students with maturity, confidence, and exceptional academic and professional skills The Interior Design program is consistently ranked among the top programs in the country and in the survey by DesignIntelligence of "America's Best Design Schools."
The BS in Interior Design program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD). The mission of the Interior Design program is to prepare students to enter the field of interior design as skilled designers, creative thinkers, professional leaders, and responsible citizens. We cultivate students who acknowledge their responsibilities to the safety and well-being of the public and the stewardship of the environment to lead a multifaceted profession in an ever-changing world.
The curriculum combines a studio-based design sequence with broad liberal arts study and experiential learning. Paired with a well-established professional co-op, the coursework is structured to build upon the fundamentals of interior design and to anticipate and reflect change in a continually evolving industry.
The program promotes exploration and experimentation that cultivates lifelong learners—individuals prepared to contribute meaningfully to the profession and the discipline’s expanding body of knowledge as well as to pursue graduate study.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design.
Admission Requirements
Same as Drexel admissions-Optional portfolio and preferred supplemental essay.
Degree Requirements
| University Requirements | ||
| EXP 1001 | Introduction to Experiential Learning | 3.0 |
| WRIT 1100 | Composition and Rhetoric I | 3.0 |
| or WRIT 1110 | English Composition I | |
| WRIT 1200 | Composition and Rhetoric II | 3.0 |
| or WRIT 1210 | English Composition II | |
| Introductory Core Competencies 1 | ||
| Select one course from each of the three (3) categories | 6.0 | |
Introductory: Inquire and Analyze | ||
Introductory: Collaborate and Integrate | ||
Introductory: Apply and Engage-satified by Making and Storytelling-Creative Process in the College Requirements below | ||
| Free Electives | 15.0 | |
| College Requirements | ||
| Select one course from each of the three (3) categories of Westphal College Courses | ||
| Visual and Information Literacy | 3.0 | |
| Making and Storytelling-Creative Process | 3.0 | |
| Global and Cultural Histories | 3.0 | |
| Program Requirements | ||
| Degree Requirements outside of Program | ||
| Studio Art and Art History Requirements | ||
| ARST 1001 | Design Foundations A | 3.0 |
| ARST 1005 | Design Foundations B | 3.0 |
| ARST 1100 | Introductory Drawing | 3.0 |
| Select any ARTH (Art History) 1000-4999 level course | 3.0 | |
| Math and Science Requirements | ||
| ESS 2075 | The Science of Climate Change | 3.0 |
| Select any MATH (Mathematics) 1000-4999 level course | 3.0 | |
| Degree Requirements inside of Program | ||
| Interior Design Studios | ||
| INTR 3101 | Interior Studio I | 4.0 |
| INTR 3102 | Interior Studio II | 4.0 |
| INTR 3103 | Interior Studio III | 4.0 |
| INTR 4104 | Interior Studio IV | 4.0 |
| Representation/Visualization | ||
| INTR 3201 | Representation I | 3.0 |
| INTR 3202 | Representation II | 3.0 |
| INTR 4203 | Representation III | 3.0 |
| Professional Practice | ||
| INTR 3301 | Professional Practice | 3.0 |
| History/Theory | ||
| ARCH 2401 | Architectural History I | 3.0 |
| ARCH 2402 | Architectural History II | 3.0 |
| INTR 3401 | Interior Design Theory and Practice | 3.0 |
| INTR 3411 | Visual Culture: Global Interiors | 3.0 |
| Any ARTH (Art History) 1000-4999 level course | 3.0 | |
| Tectonics | ||
| INTR 1510 | Spatial Studies | 3.0 |
| INTR 3501 | Materials and Methods I | 3.0 |
| INTR 3502 | Materials and Methods II | 3.0 |
| INTR 3503 | Materials and Methods III | 3.0 |
| Systems/Sustainability | ||
| INTR 3601 | Interior Systems and Lighting | 3.0 |
| Electives | ||
| Select any ARST (Studio Art) or WEST (WEST Studies) 1000-4999 level course | 3.0 | |
| Capstone | ||
| INTR 4998 | Interior Capstone Project I | 3.0 |
| INTR 4999 | Interior Capstone Project II | 4.0 |
| Optional Co-op Experience | ||
| Co-op is an option for this degree for full-time on-campus students. Co-op cycles may vary. Students choosing this option will be required to complete COOP 1001 as preparation for their co-op experience. COOP 1001 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned. | 0.0 | |
| Total Credits | 125.0 | |
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A complete list of eligible introductory Core Competency courses can be found here.
Program Learning Outcomes
1. GLOBAL AND PROFESSIONAL CONTEXT: Upon completion of the program, students will be able to recognize how global, social, cultural, and economic factors shape design, and explain the professional responsibilities and value of interior design.
2. COLLABORATION AND COMMUNICATION: Upon completion of the program, students will be able to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams and clearly communicate ideas in written, verbal, and visual formats.
3. HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN: Upon completion of the program, students will be able to design spaces that support human experience and wellbeing by applying knowledge of behavior, light, color, acoustics, thermal comfort, air quality, plumbing, and waste systems.
4. DESIGN PROCESS AND CREATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING: Upon completion of the program, students will be able to use all stages of the design process to create innovative solutions that thoughtfully integrate furnishings, products, materials, and finishes.
5. DESIGN FOUNDATIONS AND HISTORY: Upon completion of the program, students will be able to apply knowledge of design history, interiors, architecture, decorative arts, and art, as well as the elements and principles of design, to inform their creative work.
6. TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE AND REGULATIONS: Upon completion of the program, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of interior construction, building systems, and apply laws, codes, standards, and guidelines to ensure safe, accessible, and responsible design.