Interior design is both an art and a science that involves the creation of imaginative and well-conceived spaces that:

• Serve the needs, function and requirements of individuals

• Provide a sense of place within both public and private spaces for group and individual activity

• Are appropriate and sustainable

• Include the community, owners, users, designers, planners and contractors as active participants in the design process.

Through the learning design process, graduates develop on all levels: as a thoughtful leader, an innovator, a collaborator and as an ethical and socially engaged human being. This program prepares students for professional careers in office design, retail, healthcare, residential and hospitality design. Examples of interior design specializations include historic preservation and environmental sustainability.To give students first-hand design exposure, the department organizes trips to interact with designers in experienced firms, installations, significant buildings and exhibitions in cities such as Atlanta and Chicago. During the summer, upper-division students have opportunities to enroll in the Preservation Institute located in Nantucket or in one of several international programs. The department offers academic credit to explore professional opportunities through the required design field experience program. Interior design students may consider pursuing graduate studies in the program's 4+1 option to receive a Master of Interior Design.Organized trips to experience interior design, architecture and art in urban settings are required in the junior and senior years. Students should plan to have adequate funds for these required field trips and for their design studio project materials.The four-year program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).