Course Descripons - The Art Institutes

Interior Design
INTERIOR DESIGN, Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree
Off ered at Chicago, Schaumburg, Michigan, Cincinna� , Tinley Park
Program Mission
The Bachelor of Fine Arts Program in Interior Design program combines theore� cal, conceptual, and prac� cal experiences
that reinforce the rela� onship between knowledge and applica� on within the interior design profession. Major concentra-
� on courses cul� vate a student’s skills and talents to provide graduates with the founda� on to become versa� le and responsible
interior designers in this constantly evolving fi eld; to meet the needs of all who u� lize space, whether to live, work,
play, heal, or learn.
Desired Student Outcomes
1. Contextual knowledge: Graduates will have a global view and be able to make design decisions rela� ve ecological, socioeconomic,
and cultural contexts.
2. Design and problem-solving skills: Graduates will be able to implement the design process using cri� cal and crea� ve
thinking to solve problems appropriate to a client’s needs.
3. Communica� on: Graduates will have wri� en, oral, and visual communica� on skills and will be able to collaborate in
teams.
4. Professionalism: Graduates will demonstrate awareness of industry prac� ces and conduct themselves in a professional
manner.
5. Design principles: Graduates will be able to apply historic infl uences and design principles in order to deliver func� onally
and aesthe� cally appropriate interior spaces.
6. Knowledge of the fi eld: Graduates will apply specifi c knowledge of the components of interior environments while considering
the impact of building construc� on and systems.
7. Regula� ons: Graduates will have the ability to apply building codes, accessibility guidelines, and sustainable prac� ces
with considera� on given to human factors.
Program Descrip� on
Interior Design students are encouraged to develop unique and comprehensive design solu� ons; giving considera� on to client
needs, building codes, accessibility guidelines, and sustainability. The sequen� al program courses foster u� liza� on of the
design process. Technical skill-building and studio coursework off er students opportuni� es to gain understanding of the elements
and principles of residen� al and commercial design, manual and computer-based skills, wri� en and oral communica-
� on skills, and be be� er informed of industry cer� fi ca� on exams and registra� on. The program off ers a s� mula� ng learning
environment led by dedicated and professional faculty where commi� ed and talented students can develop their crea� vity
and acquire the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in interior design.
Gradua� on Requirements
To receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design, students must complete a minimum of 180 quarter-credits with
60 quarter-credits in general educa� on courses with a cumula� ve GPA of 2.0 or higher. Also, a student must receive a passing
grade or credit for all required course work, meet por� olio requirements and sa� sfy all fi nancial obliga� ons with The
Illinois Ins� tute of Art. Gradua� ng students must pass a required course where a por� olio is produced. The por� olio must
demonstrate entry-level employment competencies appropriate to the specifi c degree program. Each student in required to
par� cipate in the Senior Por� olio Show.
34 Academic Programs