The program focuses on improving the quality of life and protecting human health and safety through design of the interior environment. Students study design fundamentals, theory, process, communication, research and technology to identify and solve problems for a wide range of physical interior environments for all individuals regardless of socioeconomic background.

Career Opportunities

Three main career paths typically chosen by the design professional include residential, commercial and specialized design. Residential design includes kitchen and bath design, renovation for physically challenged, model homes or historical restoration. Commercial design includes corporate and executive offices, healthcare, retail facilities, institutional, transportation, and hospitality and entertainment venues. Other areas of specialty design include lighting, codes, product design or product representative.
Opportunities for NDSU graduates vary according to geographic area of practice and responsibilities of specific positions. Recent graduates have accepted entry-level positions with starting salaries as high as $50,000 (Minneapolis).