Interior Design
Bachelor of Science in Interior Design
Interior Design at UT Arlington focuses on the commercial, institutional, and large-project scale activities of the profession, a focus very appropriate in the context of architecture.
The Bachelor of Science in Interior Design is a four-year program of studies, interdisciplinary with architecture, on the design of interior environments and consists of two two-year segments: Basic Studies and Major Studies. Following the two-year Basic Studies sequence, the student completes two years of Major Studies, an intensive series of courses and studios on the theory, history, skill, and practice of interior design.
In the third and fourth years (Major Studies), the student concentrates in one of the design disciplines, taking courses and studios of a more advanced and professional nature.
The program leads to the professional degree in interior design, accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Accreditation
The program is fully accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Major Studies: Entrance Requirements
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Admission to the interior design-intended program is open to all students meeting the general requirements for entrance to the University.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
To declare a major as Interior Design and gain permission to enroll in upper-level INTD or ARCH courses:
- The student will have completed the final architecture-intended or interior design-intended courses and core curriculum.
- Have a minimum of a 2.8 GPA both overall at UT Arlington as well as within the major (first and second year ARCH courses).
- Complete a Major Declaration form available through the School of Architecture
Prior to completing the application in the School of Architecture office, ALL required interior design-intended course work must be completed.
GPA requirements may change based on changes in the curriculum of the program. Qualified students must meet the GPA requirements that are in place at the time they fulfill all other requirements to declare their major.
To declare a major for a fall semester, qualified applicants will submit their request to declare a major in the School of Architecture office at the completion of the spring semester, by the department specified deadline.
Students meeting the qualifications to declare a major during the summer or fall semesters will submit their request to declare a major at the completion of the fall semester, by the department specified deadline, for spring entrance consideration*.
Consideration for fall admission into the major studies programs for qualified summer applicants will be based on space availability.
Coursework taken at other institutions or universities must be noted on the application with accompanying attachments showing the completion of/or current attendance in the course(s). It is the student's responsibility to ensure that all coursework is transferred to the Office of Admissions at UT Arlington in a timely manner.
Upon entrance into the major studies programs, students will be required to maintain the minimum 2.8 GPAs both overall at UT Arlington and within the major to remain active and proceed within the program.
PROGRAMS COHORT
The undergraduate programs in the School of Architecture at the University of Texas at Arlington are organized in a structured cohort format.
What Is a Cohort?
A cohort is a group of students that follows the same set schedule and progresses through a program together. The sequential scheduling of the courses promotes an interactive learning environment and facilitates networking opportunities and career-strengthening relationships.
How Does It Work?
The program consists of a sequence of courses that takes a minimum of eight semesters to complete. The courses are offered in specific semesters that require the students to complete the prior level before proceeding to the next level. If a student gets off-track in the cohort, she/he must wait until the missing course(s) are offered again.
How Are the Courses Sequenced?
The major courses must be taken as follows:
Interior Design Students
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| ARCH 1301 | 3 | ARCH 1342 | 3 |
| ARCH 1341 | 3 | ||
| INTD 1101 | 1 | ||
| 7 | 3 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| ARCH 2303 | 3 | ARCH 2304 | 3 |
| ARCH 2551 | 5 | ARCH 2552 | 5 |
| 8 | 8 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| INTD 3305 | 3 | INTD 3322 | 3 |
| INTD 3321 | 3 | INTD 3323 | 3 |
| INTD 3343 | 3 | INTD 3357 | 3 |
| INTD 3553 | 5 | INTD 3555 | 5 |
| 14 | 14 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| INTD 4332 | 3 | INTD 4344 | 3 |
| INTD 4368 | 3 | INTD 4345 | 3 |
| INTD 4393 or 4395 | 3 | INTD 4369 | 3 |
| INTD 4394 | 3 | INTD 4563 | 5 |
| INTD 4562 | 5 | ||
| 17 | 14 | ||
| Total Hours: 85 | |||
Student Personal Laptop Policy
All declared Interior Design majors admitted to the Third Year (Major Studies) are required to have a personal laptop computer configured to the specifications defined by the School of Architecture. Specifications may be found on the Architecture website: www.uta.edu/architecture/
Special Academic Requirements
GPA Requirements: Upon admission to the Major Studies, all declared majors must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8 iboth within the major and in the cumulative GPA to continue in the upper level program to satisfy requirements for graduation.
Grade Requirements: A grade of C or higher must be earned in each School of Architecture course used for credit toward an undergraduate degree and minor offered by the school. A grade of C or higher must be earned in all required Math courses.
Repetition of Courses: Three attempts to achieve a satisfactory grade are permitted for each required course in the School of Architecture. Beyond that number of attempts, the student is denied access to the course in question, or to the sequence of courses for which it is requisite. Enrollment in the course for the time sufficient to receive a grade, including the grade W, is considered an attempt.
Transfer of Credit: The extent of credit toward degree requirements for academic work done elsewhere will be determined by the representatives of the appropriate program. Students applying to transfer credits from studio courses taken elsewhere must present examples of that work for evaluation.
Student Projects: The School of Architecture reserves the right to retain, copyright, use, exhibit, reproduce, and publish any work submitted for course credit. The student is encouraged to develop a portfolio of all work accomplished in advanced courses for future professional and academic uses.
Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design
| Architecture | ||
| ARCH 1301 | INTRODUCTION TO ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | 3 |
| ARCH 1341 | DESIGN COMMUNICATIONS I | 3 |
| ARCH 1342 | DESIGN COMMUNICATION II | 3 |
| ARCH 2303 | HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN I | 3 |
| ARCH 2304 | HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN II | 3 |
| ARCH 2551 | BASIC DESIGN AND DRAWING I | 5 |
| ARCH 2552 | BASIC DESIGN AND DRAWING II | 5 |
| Interior Design | ||
| INTD 1101 | ACADEMIC SUCCESS SKILLS INTERIOR DESIGN | 1 |
| INTD 3305 | HISTORY OF INTERIOR DESIGN | 3 |
| INTD 3321 | INTERIOR MATERIALS I | 3 |
| INTD 3322 | INTERIOR MATERIALS II | 3 |
| INTD 3323 | LIGHTING DESIGN | 3 |
| INTD 3343 | INTERIOR DESIGN COMMUNICATION III | 3 |
| INTD 3357 | BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING & VISUALIZATION | 3 |
| INTD 3553 | DESIGN STUDIO: INTERIOR DESIGN I | 5 |
| INTD 3555 | DESIGN STUDIO: INTERIOR DESIGN II | 5 |
| INTD 4332 | PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: INTERIOR DESIGN | 3 |
| INTD 4344 | INTERIOR DESIGN COMMUNICATION IV | 3 |
| INTD 4345 | ARCHITECTURAL GRAPHICS | 3 |
| INTD 4393 | INTERIOR DESIGN INTERNSHIP | 3 |
| or INTD 4395 | SPECIAL TOPICS IN INTERIOR DESIGN | |
| INTD 4394 | DESIGN RESEARCH METHODS AND APPLICATION | 3 |
| INTD 4368 | INTERIOR DESIGN AND DETAILING | 3 |
| INTD 4369 | FURNITURE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION | 3 |
| INTD 4562 | DESIGN STUDIO: INTERIOR DESIGN III | 5 |
| INTD 4563 | DESIGN STUDIO: INTERIOR DESIGN IV | 5 |
| Communications | ||
| ENGL 1301 | RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I | 3 |
| ENGL 1302 | RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II | 3 |
| Political Science | ||
| POLS 2311 | GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES | 3 |
| POLS 2312 | STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT | 3 |
| History | ||
| HIST 1311 | HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 1865 | 3 |
| HIST 1312 | HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT | 3 |
| Mathematics | ||
| MATH 1324 | ALGEBRA AND TRIGONOMETRY | 3 |
| or MATH 1302 & MATH 1303 | COLLEGE ALGEBRA and TRIGONOMETRY | |
| MATH 1325 | ANALYTIC GEOMETRY | 3 |
| Natural Science | ||
| PHYS 1301 | PHYSICS FOR NON SPECIALISTS I | 3 |
| PHYS 1302 | PHYSICS FOR NON SPECIALISTS II | 3 |
| Art History | ||
| Art history elective, approved | 3 | |
| Language, Philosophy & Culture | 3 | |
| Literature | ||
| English or modern languages literature or other approved subsitute | 3 | |
| Social and Behavior Sciences | ||
| Designated courses in social or cultural anthropology, archaeology, social/political/cultural geography, economics, sociology, classical studies, or linguistics | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 127 | |
At least 36 hours must be 3000/4000 level.
Suggested Course Sequence
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| ARCH 1301 | 3 | HIST 1311 | 3 |
| ARCH 1341 | 3 | ARCH 1342 | 3 |
| PHYS 1301 | 3 | ENGL 1301 | 3 |
| POLS 2312 | 3 | MATH 1325 | 3 |
| INTD 1101 | 1 | PHYS 1302 | 3 |
| MATH 1324 | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| ARCH 2303 | 3 | ARCH 2304 | 3 |
| ARCH 2551 | 5 | ARCH 2552 | 5 |
| ENGL 1302 | 3 | Language, Philosophy & Culture | 3 |
| HIST 1312 | 3 | Literature Elective | 3 |
| POLS 2311 | 3 | Social & Behavioral Sciences Electives | 3 |
| 17 | 17 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| INTD 3305 | 3 | INTD 3322 | 3 |
| INTD 3553 | 5 | INTD 3323 | 3 |
| INTD 3321 | 3 | INTD 3357 | 3 |
| INTD 3343 | 3 | INTD 3555 | 5 |
| Art History | 3 | ||
| 14 | 17 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| INTD 4332 | 3 | INTD 4344 | 3 |
| INTD 4393 or 4395 | 3 | INTD 4345 | 3 |
| INTD 4394 | 3 | INTD 4369 | 3 |
| INTD 4368 | 3 | INTD 4563 | 5 |
| INTD 4562 | 5 | ||
| 17 | 14 | ||
| Total Hours: 127 | |||
Competence in Oral Presentations
Students obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design demonstrate oral proficiency by taking and passing ARCH 2551 BASIC DESIGN AND DRAWING I and ARCH 2552 BASIC DESIGN AND DRAWING II, or approved equivalents.
Competence in Computer Use
Students obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design can demonstrate computer proficiency by:
-
Taking and passing ENGL 1301 RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I or ENGL 1302 RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II at UT Arlington in a computer classroom environment or ENGL 3372 COMPUTERS AND WRITING, ENGL 3374 WRITING, RHETORIC, AND MULTIMEDIA AUTHORING, CSE 1301 COMPUTER LITERACY (or equivalent), or any other class approved by the Undergraduate Assembly.
-
Passing the University computer literacy examination.
Minor in Architecture History
The school offers numerous courses from which to select the 18 hours required for a minor.
| ARCH 2303 | HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN I | 3 |
| ARCH 2304 | HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN II | 3 |
| ARCH 3312 | HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY THEORY | 3 |
| ARCH 4305 | THE CITY OF ROME | 3 |
| ARCH 4308 | HISTORY OF URBAN FORM | 3 |
| ARCH 4315 | TOPICS IN THE HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN 1 | 3 |
| ARCH 4316 | MODERN ARCHITECTURE I | 3 |
| ARCH 4317 | MODERN ARCHITECTURE II | 3 |
| 1 | A Special Topics courses whose offerings continually are changing. |
Courses
INTD 1101. ACADEMIC SUCCESS SKILLS INTERIOR DESIGN. 1 Hour.
This is a required course intended to establish a solid overview of the School of Architecture and the interior design program for all first semester UTA students who intend to declare as an interior design major. Topics for the class include: critical thinking, presentation techniques, internships, attendance of exhibitions and lectures, navigating the advising process, portfolio review and techniques, and utilizing the library and other university resources. Other topics may be discussed. This course may be taken only once for credit. Graded P, F.
INTD 1191. CONFERENCE COURSE. 1 Hour.
Independent study guided by an instructor on a regular basis. May be repeated for credit. Permission of the instructor and the architecture undergraduate advisor required. Restricted to interior design-intended majors.
INTD 3305. HISTORY OF INTERIOR DESIGN. 3 Hours.
A historical and analytical review of interior spaces and furnishings with emphasis on the 20th Century. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in INTD 3321 and junior standing in the program.
INTD 3321. INTERIOR MATERIALS I. 3 Hours.
The course content includes the identification of interior building materials and their application in the built environment, in addition to documentation of interior finish details. Prerequisite: Junior standing in the program and concurrent enrollment in INTD 3305.
INTD 3322. INTERIOR MATERIALS II. 3 Hours.
A course to build student understanding of interior construction. Distribution systems such as power, mechanical, and plumbing will be evaluated with respect to their contribution to a sustainable environment. Building codes affecting fire and life safety, and federal/state laws affecting accessibility will be introduced. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in INTD 3323 and junior standing in the program.
INTD 3323. LIGHTING DESIGN. 3 Hours.
An introduction to lighting technologies, equipment and design. Course content emphasizes qualitative and quantitative aspects of architectural lighting. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in INTD 3322 and junior standing in the program.
INTD 3329. COMPUTER-AIDED DRAWING IN INTERIOR DESIGN. 3 Hours.
The course is developed to teach the students to set up and control the AutoCAD environment. Prerequisite: Junior standing in program.
INTD 3343. INTERIOR DESIGN COMMUNICATION III. 3 Hours.
This is an introductory digital design course that strives to develop visual sensitivity and awareness of the digital environment enabling students to present ideas graphically. This survey course focuses on general exposure to computer visualization software from 2D Vector and 2D Raster based programs to an introduction of basic 3D modeling. Emphasis is placed on the relationship of digital skills and graphic communication of ideas and presentation in both digital and printed media. Prerequisite: Junior standing in the program.
INTD 3357. BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING & VISUALIZATION. 3 Hours.
To gain a working knowledge of Building Information Modeling software and advanced 3D modeling software. Prerequisite: ARCH 4356 or INTD 3343 and Junior standing in program. Restricted to Architecture and Interior Design majors.
INTD 3553. DESIGN STUDIO: INTERIOR DESIGN I. 5 Hours.
A studio course in planning and design of interior spaces. Attention is drawn to the analysis of space, purpose of use, creative and effective solutions to the stated problems, material and color selection, and presentation skills. The process of developing a concept/idea is highly stressed. Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in INTD 3343 or INTD 3345. Junior standing in the program. Restricted to Interior Design majors.
INTD 3555. DESIGN STUDIO: INTERIOR DESIGN II. 5 Hours.
A studio course in planning and design of interior spaces. Attention is drawn to the analysis of space, purpose of use, creative and effective solutions to the stated problems, material and color selection, and presentation skills. The process of developing a concept/idea is highly stressed. Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in INTD 3343 or INTD 3345. Junior standing in the program. Restricted to Interior Design majors.
INTD 4191. CONFERENCE COURSE. 1 Hour.
Independent study guided by an instructor on a regular basis. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Junior or senior standing in the program. Restricted to Interior Design majors.
INTD 4195. SELECTED TOPICS IN INTERIOR DESIGN. 1 Hour.
Studio and lecture course to explore and present selected topics in interior design. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Prerequisite: Permission of the Instructor or the Architecture Undergraduate Advisor. Junior standing in program. Restricted to Interior Design majors.
INTD 4332. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: INTERIOR DESIGN. 3 Hours.
An overview of professional procedures as practiced in a variety of local interior design firms. Prerequisite: Senior standing in the program. Restricted to Interior Design majors.
INTD 4344. INTERIOR DESIGN COMMUNICATION IV. 3 Hours.
An advanced digital design course that builds on the basic computer knowledge and digital graphics developed in the INTD 3343 class and advances the development of digital techniques. The class investigates the digital realm as an environment communicating ideas graphically, analytically, and conceptually. A more extensive digital tool set will be introduced and output will be directed towards both digital presentations and 3D Print technologies. Prerequisite: INTD 3343 or ARCH 3343. Junior standing in the program.
INTD 4345. ARCHITECTURAL GRAPHICS. 3 Hours.
Graphic and signage considerations for interior environments. Wayfinding methods will be addressed. Senior standing in the program. Restricted to Interior Design majors but open to Architecture majors as an elective based on space availability.
INTD 4368. INTERIOR DESIGN AND DETAILING. 3 Hours.
A studio course in the design and presentation of detailing for interior construction. Basic fabrication techniques are introduced utilizing woodshop and digital fabrication equipment. Prerequisite: INTD 3553 and INTD 3555. Senior standing in the program. Restricted to Interior Design majors but open to Architecture majors as an elective based on space availability.
INTD 4369. FURNITURE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION. 3 Hours.
A studio course in the design, detailing, and construction of furniture. Prerequisite: INTD 3553 and INTD 3555. Restricted to Interior Design majors but open to Architecture majors as an elective based on space availability.
INTD 4391. CONFERENCE COURSE. 3 Hours.
Independent study guided by an instructor on a regular basis. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Junior or senior standing in the program. Restricted to Interior Design majors.
INTD 4393. INTERIOR DESIGN INTERNSHIP. 3 Hours.
Internship under the supervision of a Registered Interior Designer or Architect in an approved Interior Design and/or Architecture office. Prerequisite: Senior standing in the program and permission of the Interior Design Program Director. Students who do not acquire an internship are required to take an approved major advanced elective.
INTD 4394. DESIGN RESEARCH METHODS AND APPLICATION. 3 Hours.
Research conducted by undergraduate students that contributes to ongoing faculty research within the Interior Design program or the School of Architecture. Research must be conducted under the supervision of a full-time Interior Design or Architecture faculty member. Prerequisite: Senior standing in the program and permission of the Interior Design Program Director. Open to Architecture majors as an elective based on space availability.
INTD 4395. SPECIAL TOPICS IN INTERIOR DESIGN. 3 Hours.
This course addresses areas of special interest to Interior Design studies and gives students an opportunity for a more in-depth exploration of selected topics than is possible within the embedded content of the core course requirements. Prerequisite: Junior standing in the program. Restricted to Interior Design majors but open to Architecture majors as an elective based on space availability.
INTD 4562. DESIGN STUDIO: INTERIOR DESIGN III. 5 Hours.
A studio course in planning and design of interior spaces. The course emphasizes large scale projects including programming and furniture systems and fabrication of interior components. Prerequisite: INTD 3553 and INTD 3555. Senior standing in the program. Restricted to Interior Design majors.
INTD 4563. DESIGN STUDIO: INTERIOR DESIGN IV. 5 Hours.
A studio course in planning and design of interior spaces. The course emphasizes large scale projects including programming and furniture systems and fabrication of interior components. Prerequisite: INTD 3553 and INTD 3555. Senior standing in the program. Restricted to Interior Design majors.
INTD 4591. CONFERENCE COURSE. 5 Hours.
Independent study guided by an instructor on a regular basis. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: INTD 3553 and INTD 3555. Permission of Instructor. Senior standing in program. Restricted to Interior Design majors.
INTD 4595. SELECTED TOPICS IN INTERIOR DESIGN. 5 Hours.
Studio and lecture courses to explore and present selected topics in interior design. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Prerequisite: permission of the Instructor or the Architecture Undergraduate Advisor. Senior standing in program. Restricted to Interior Design majors. The course may be repeated up to four times as the topics change.