Interior Design, BFA Adult Degree

Curriculum

The Interior Design major does not require you to complete a minor. The degree leads to a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and requires 128 credit hours of coursework:

• BELL core requirements: 38 hours
• Major requirements: 84 hours
• Electives: 6 hours

See All Program Requirements

Courses You'll Take

• ARC 1020, Shop Fabrication and Sustainability 
  Materials, fabrication methods, assembly and finishing explored through safe use of hand and power tools in a shop setting. Study of sustainability issues related to materials commonly used to fabricate models and projects for art and design disciplines.

• ITD 1001, Design Drafting Studio
  An introductory lab course focusing on the development of basic manual drafting skills. The components of plan, elevation and section drawing will be introduced. Students are required to utilize drafting tools/instruments.

• ITD 1002, Sketch + Analysis
  Introductory course for design analysis, students explore methods for visual thinking - including iteration/evolution of design ideas through diagrammatic and sketch techniques, deeper understanding of “schematic design” for consideration of circulation/traffic pattern, functional nodes, and views/behavioral consideration. Emphasis on design process, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

• ITD 1003, Foundations Studio 
  Students learn and apply foundational design elements and principles of design, ordering schema, and spatial relationships to conceptual space, exploring 2D and 3D possibilities for creative outcomes. Design students build their vocabulary to speak the collaborative language shared among design and related fields. Students will explore diverse precedents across the globe from a variety of regions, considering “local” vernacular and response to region to inform their approaches to solutions

• ITD 1004, Color, Theory + Rendering 
  Students learn and apply color principles, theory, and psychology to benefit end-users’ experience and wellness within space. Students explore color (representation and meaning) of varied cultures across the globe and learn to represent color choices with varied media.

• ITD 1005, Design Core
  Introductory course to define interior design, introduce tools used for the trade, participate in field trips, hone observational skills, and inspire creative thinking through varied exercises. Students will focus on iteration, quick-sketch ideation, and critique culture. The class will host design practitioners to introduce various vocations within the ID field, practice active listening skills, build relationships, and “studio culture”. Content will include a focus on mental and emotional wellness and balancing work/life within a stressful field.This course will feature a module with the Data Collaborative to introduce students to the nature and use of data in the field of design.

• ITD 1100, Interior Design History I 
  Students will study historical perspectives seen in art, architecture, furniture, and interior design within the context of historical, political, cultural, and social events from antiquity through the seventeenth century. With a concentration on the origins of interior design in furniture making and the applied arts, students will be able to discern the defining characteristics, styles and movements of diverse regions including Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Far East, the Near East, Africa, and Europe.

• ITD 1103, Interior Building Systems  
  This course will expose students to the history of structures and building material properties. Students will understand building systems and envelope components. They will be aware of fire egress and separation and ADA codes considerations within the building structure. This course will include a variety of job site visits for experiential learning opportunities.

• ITD 2000, Material Fundamentals
  Students explore foundational overview of interior building and finish materials, considering the nature of those materials: intended applications, limitations, and sustainability implications from “cradle to grave” including manufacturing processes, waste, and life cycle cost. This course will delve into human well-being (health and welfare) attributes with varied materials.

• ITD 2001, Studio I : Sustainable Design Concepts
  Students will be introduced to the phases of the design process from pre-design and concept through design presentation. Students will utilize data and research to inform their design program and choices. Students will learn to organize space strategically for the design intent and incorporate ecological and ethical considerations for sustainable futures. Students will identify, define, and analyze design problems to synthesize multiple design solutions (iterative design).

• ITD 2002, Studio II: Inclusivity + Accommodations 
  Students will utilize the phases of design to create appropriate solutions for varied commercial design projects, focusing on inclusivity and accommodations for physical and/or mental differentiated users. Students will learn and apply ADA guidelines for clearances and other codes pertinent to the building type. Students will be exposed to social and psychological influences that affect design.

• ITD 2020, Environmental Systems + Lighting
  Students will be introduced to electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems. They will develop an understanding of lighting principles and applications based on building type and energy code application. They will explore sound and acoustic control for interior design. This course will include a variety of site visits and guest lecturers.

• ITD 2051, Interior Design Technology I 
  Students will be introduced to 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional computer-aided drafting utilizing architectural line weights and line types to produce communicative documentation. They will be exposed to various presentation methods, interface with printing and page setup and computer rendering principles.

• ITD 2052, Interior Design Technology II 
  Students will build upon 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional computer-aided drafting techniques learned in Technology I to produce communicative and stylistic documentation. They will learn additional presentation methods including advanced modeling and rendering techniques to produce high-quality computer presentations.

• ITD 2200, Interior Design History II 
  Students will study art, architecture, furniture and interior design within the context of historical, political, and social events in a rapidly modernizing world, from the eighteenth century and through the nineteenth. Beginning in Europe, this survey considers main continental developments and rapid colonization in North America and Africa. It examines significant transformations to the world of design brought about by the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution and urbanization.

• ITD 2300, Interior Design History III 
  Students will be exposed to art, architecture, furniture and design from 1900 to present. Concepts of Modernity is greatly examined during this industrial and global progressive movement. New technologies and emerging materials contribute to the ever-changing theories, as well as the influence of historical, social and environmental issues.

• ITD 3001, Material Innovations
  This course expands upon the ITD 2000 Material Fundamentals course knowledge. Students will learn codes and compliance aspects of materials and finishes and methods for specifying materials for contract documents. Additionally, students will research innovative and technologically advanced materials and unique application opportunities for traditional materials.

• ITD 3003, Studio III: Detailing + Connections 
  This course explores the “process of making” that focuses on construction detailing and material connections and transitions. Students will learn to document and communicate those connections to allied professions, the relationship of individual parts to the whole, the expression of design concept in the details. This course will include analysis of individual personality types for self-discovery and collaboration with differing personalities for guidance in working with others. Students will design, model-build, and apply the knowledge of detailing within space. Projects in this course will be selected based on connecting with service-based and outreach opportunities.

• ITD 3004, Studio IV: Creative Exploration 
  This course focuses on students’ specific interests within the field of interior design by offering a flexible customization studio in the areas of furniture design, kitchen and bath design, or a conceptual exploration studio. Applying research to inform design solutions through data gathering, analysis, observation, and case studies is emphasized in this junior level studio. You will use both manual and computer skills to communicate ideas from conceptualization to final presentation.

• ITD 3020, Design Interaction 
  This course emphasizes anthropometric, ergonomic and proxemic information and the interaction of the human body with design and technology. Students will understand and apply appropriate 3-dimensional details in order to meet specific and varied needs of users in addition to fitting designs with existing building and distribution systems.

• ITD 3100, Design Theory + Societal Impact
  Students will explore theoretical concepts related to the built environment. They will research and be exposed to overarching motivations of designers to create spaces for social, experiential, political, and spiritual reasons. Students will be aware of opposing viewpoints from culturally diverse authors and journalists on each of several theories and consider user and societal impact of applied theory to designed spaces.

• ITD 4005, Studio V : Research + Storytelling
  Students will, through data collection, interpretation, and analysis, determine a design problem, identify the users most impacted by the problem. They will research varied precedents, design theories and approaches to propose a viable solution. Students will select a project and site, perform a building and site analysis, and building codes applicable to the project for further development in ITD 4006 Studio VI: Capstone Project.

• ITD 4006, Studio VI: Applied Research (Capstone Studio) 
  This course applies the research conducted in ITD 4005 Studio V: Research + Storytelling to demonstrate competency in all areas of the Body of Knowledge outlined in the CIDA Standards for the betterment of society. They will demonstrate ability to independently determine critical path and designed outcomes and communicate their design solutions. Students will collaborate with an advising team to encourage critical thinking and self-directed application of design.

• ITD 4010, Interior Design Professional Practice 
  Students will learn communication methods, collaborative roles, continuing education and certification specific to interior design. Students will prepare cover letters, resumes and digital design portfolios. They will participate in mock interviews, interface with professional organizations and discuss professionalism in the workplace to prepare them to be valuable members of the design workplace.

• ITD 4100, Design Philosophy 
  Students survey previously learned precedent theories and begin to develop a personal design philosophy. This seminar allows students to explore personal ideologies based on life experiences, world culture, art and the diversity of design. They will use visuals to stimulate discussion encouraging debate which leads to justification of individual thought.

• ITD 4270, Interior Design Internship 
  Students will learn communication methods, collaborative roles, continuing education and certification specific to interior design. Students will prepare cover letters, resumes and design portfolios. They will participate in mock interviews, interface with professional organizations and discuss professionalism in the workplace to prepare them to be valuable members of the design workplace.

• ITD 4500, Data Practicum for Interior Design
  The Data practicum course will strategically navigate learners through data dilemmas utilizing the Data Thinking Mindset framework-DDIA.  This course will ask learners to think critically about each domain.  Furthermore, this course will emphasize the criticalness of distilling information discovered from each phase and generating a deliverable that will compel action.

Go beyond the classroom and experience interior design for yourself. In Nashville and around the world, you’ll find opportunities to learn and grow.

• Engage with your community. Nashville is booming with design, providing you with opportunities to present your work to professionals and partner with organizations like the nationally recognized Nashville Civic Design Center.
• Explore the world. Experience other cultures, visit iconic structures and take in the design mediums of the world.
• Join a student organization. With over 180 to choose from, there is no shortage of opportunities to get plugged in on campus. The Belmont chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) is a great way to connect with fellow interior design majors.

Council for Interior Design (CIDA) Accreditation

Belmont University's O'More College of Architecture & Design (formerly known as the O’More College of Design) has maintained CIDA accreditation (formerly known as FIDER) since 1984. Attending a CIDA-accredited interior design program ensures that you are receiving a quality education that will prepare you for entry into the profession upon graduation and lay the foundation for your future growth as an interior design professional.

“The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) is an independent, non-profit accrediting organization for interior design education programs at colleges and universities in the United States and internationally. For more than 35 years, this knowledge-driven organization has been passionately committed to the ongoing enrichment of the interior design profession through identifying, developing and promoting quality standards for the education of entry-level interior designers, and then encouraging, accrediting and supporting educational programs to aspire to those standards.” -About. (n.d.). Retrieved July 1, 2019, from https://accredit-id.org/about/

In order to receive accreditation through CIDA, an interior design program must meet a set of high academic standards and maintain those standards through a rigorous process of program self-evaluation and peer review.

View our Student Achievement Data

The interior design program leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The BFA in Interior Design granted by Belmont University meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: https://www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements.

Please visit asid.org/advocate-by-design/state-policy for registration laws including, but not limited to, Practice Act, Title Act, and No Legislation. Use of the terms “interior designer”, “registered interior designer”, and “certified interior designer” vary from state to state.

• What is interior design?
  Interior design is the balance of art and science to understanding people’s behavior creating functional spaces within the built environment.
  
  Interior design is NOT decorating, although decorating can be a part of interior design. Designers can decorate, but decorators cannot design. Interior design is the sculpting of space three-dimensionally, not just the selection of applied finishes, materials, and furniture. Interior designers ensure the health, safety and welfare of the public and any user of space.

• When does the term start for the interior design program?
  Students may begin the interior design program in the Fall or Spring term. Recommended term start is the Fall semester.
  
  See the official Academic Calendar for more important dates.

• Is there a portfolio review?
  There is currently no portfolio review requirement for admission to the Interior Design program at Belmont.

• What laptop/software will I need for my coursework?
  Students are encouraged to bring a laptop (preferably a PC) for use in and outside of the classroom.
  
  Software needed for coursework includes Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD (downloadable student version,) Sketch Up (downloadable student version) and Revit. Most architectural software is designed for PCs, not Macs.

• I have a degree in another field. Can I transfer my current credits toward this degree?
  We have many students who hold associate or bachelor’s degrees prior to enrolling in the Interior Design program. All credits from a previously earned associate or bachelor's degree program are evaluated on an individual basis by the Office of the Registrar and applied as appropriate toward the B.F.A. degree.
  
  While credits earned from previous coursework may be transferred in, it is important to note that earning a B.F.A. in Interior Design will likely take 7-8 semesters as studio courses must be taken sequentially and the curriculum is planned as a four-year degree program.

• Will I be able to obtain a professional license with a B.F.A. in Interior Design?
  Yes! Students who complete Belmont's Interior Design program, and fulfill the required years of work experience, are eligible to take the NCIDQ examination for state licensure.

• What is NCIDQ?
  National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Certification is the industry's recognized indicator of proficiency in interior design principles and a designer's commitment to the profession. Professional interior designers who possess the NCIDQ Certification have distinguished themselves by demonstrating a specific set of core competencies, supported by verified work experience and a college degree. NCIDQ Certification is required for the practice of many types of interior design in regulated jurisdictions throughout North America and enables designers to easily validate their knowledge, experience and skill to employers and clients alike.
  
  Students who complete Belmont's Interior Design program, and fulfill the required years of work experience, are eligible to take the NCIDQ examination for state licensure.

• What is CIDA and why is it important?
  The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) is an independent, non-profit accrediting organization for over 150 interior design education programs at colleges and universities in the United States and abroad. In order to receive accreditation through CIDA, an interior design program must meet a set of high academic standards and maintain those standards through a rigorous process of program self-evaluation and peer review.
  
  Attending a CIDA-accredited interior design program ensures that you are receiving a quality education that will prepare you for entry into the profession upon graduation and lay the foundation for your future growth as an interior design professional.