Bachelor of Science in Interior Design

Interior design intersects the fine and applied arts, social sciences, humanities, and building sciences. To practice interior design is to craft, through design acts, architectural interiors that are sensible, thought-provoking, fitting, and safe for their inhabitants. The interior design program at West Virginia University prepares students for entry-level interior design practice and meets the education requirement, via Route 2, for National Council for Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ) certification. NCIDQ certification is the basic credential required by most states that license interior design professionals. In addition to an educational requirement, NCIDQ certification requires the completion of two years in a professional internship as an interior designer and passing the NCIDQ examination. The interior design program offers the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Major Learning Goals Interior designers create architectural interiors that improve inhabitants’ quality of life and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Upon graduation from the interior design program at WVU, students will be able to demonstrate entry-level professional competencies that include: Applying the elements and principles of design to the analysis and development of architectural interiors; Understanding relationships between architecture, architectural interiors, interior artifacts, and the human condition – through historical, theoretical, social, and scientific lenses; Utilizing hand and computer drawing and modeling technologies, techniques and conventions in the study, visualization, and presentation of architectural interiors; Selecting and integrating appropriate building materials and construction assemblies; building systems; finishes, furnishings & equipment (FFE); and codes during the design of architectural interiors; Understanding professional and ethical responsibilities, opportunities, and constraints associated with interior design practices. These competencies are introduced in both design studio and lecture courses and are developed and expanded incrementally along the curriculum. The holistic integration and synthesis of these competencies in the design of architectural interiors are centered in design studio courses which are rigorous laboratories and typically have a high number of contact/meeting hours in relation to credit hours. Careers Residential interior design Commercial interior design Architectural design Architectural 3D visualization Historic preservation Sustainable design consulting Sales and marketing of interior design products