Interior Design Undergraduate Degree
Program Overview
Wentworth Institute of Technology's Interior Design program emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking, combining art and design history with innovation. Accredited by CIDA and ranked among the top 10 in the US, it offers hands-on learning, collaborative projects, and co-ops, preparing students for entry-level practice and advanced studies. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCIDQ Exam and pursue careers in various sectors of interior design.
Program Outline
Analysis of Wentworth Institute of Technology's Interior Design Program
Degree Overview:
Overview:
Wentworth Institute of Technology's Bachelor of Science in Interior Design program focuses on developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The curriculum combines art and design history with innovation in new materials and building technologies, emphasizing the impact of design on human behavior. Students benefit from experienced faculty, hands-on learning, collaborative projects with other disciplines, and real-world experience through co-ops.
Objectives:
- Prepare students for entry-level interior design practice and advanced studies.
- Equip graduates to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations.
Program Description:
- Accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
- Ranked among the top 10 undergraduate interior design programs in the United States by Design Intelligence.
- Offers a four-year curriculum with eight academic semesters and two semesters of full-time co-op work experience.
- First co-op occurs in the third year, second in the fourth, and an optional co-op is available in the summer between the second and third year.
- Shares some foundation courses with the Industrial Design program.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Visualization, Color & Composition, Plane & Solid Geometry: Introduction to core design concepts, studio work, and visualization principles.
Year 2:
- Studio Work, Conceptual Physics, Materials, Visualization, Interior Design History: Continued studio work, exploration of materials, physics principles, and deepening knowledge of history.
- Optional Pre-co-op Work Term: Gain initial industry experience.
Year 3:
- Studio Work, Behavior Aspects of Design, Lighting: Examining human behavior in interior spaces, exploring the impact of lighting, and continued studio work.
- First Required Co-op: Gain hands-on industry experience.
Year 4:
- Second Required Co-op: Further develop professional skills and gain practical experience.
- Professional Practice, Senior Project: Business and legal aspects of interior design, project management, financial management, and senior capstone project.
Assessment:
- Design Studio Grade Requirement: Achieve a minimum grade of C or better in all design studios.
- Coursework and Project Evaluation: Assessment of knowledge and skills acquired through assignments, projects, and examinations.
Teaching:
- Experienced Faculty: Instruction from expert professionals in the field.
- Hands-on Learning: Studio work, collaborative projects, and co-ops provide practical experience.
- Collaborative Approach: Projects with students from other disciplines foster interdisciplinary skills.
Careers:
- Interior Designer: Entry-level positions in various sectors like residential, commercial, healthcare, and hospitality.
- Advanced Studies: Further education in related fields like architecture, urban planning, or product design.
- Professional Organizations: Membership in organizations like the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
Other:
- Program is designed to meet the educational requirements for the NCIDQ Exam.
- Provides students with opportunities to develop strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
- Prepares graduates for a successful career in a rapidly evolving field.
