Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
48 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Bachelors
Major
Interior Design
Area of study
Arts
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Intakes
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-08-01 | - |
| 2024-01-01 | - |
About Program
Program Overview
Belmont University's CIDA-accredited Interior Design program cultivates future professionals with a human-centered design approach, equipping them with the creative and technical skills to create equitable and user-centered environments. Led by experienced faculty, the program emphasizes studio-based learning, individualized feedback, and practical experience, preparing graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in the design industry.
Program Outline
They are driven to lead their chosen vocation with purpose and meaning.
Objectives:
- Cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and a human-centered design approach in future interior design professionals.
- Promote cross-disciplinary collaboration within the campus and broader community.
- Develop effective communication skills and professional practices.
- Foster meaningful design that balances aesthetic expression with practical solutions. Award-winning students regularly participate and win national competitions like the prestigious Donghia Scholarship, demonstrating the program's high caliber. Graduates are sought after for internships and future employment opportunities due to their strong academic foundation and practical experience. Alumni are active and well-positioned within the Nashville and broader design fields. Belmont's program instills a passion for lifelong learning and serving the community through transformative design. The curriculum continuously evolves to stay at the forefront of design trends, and faculty are practicing interior designers and architects who offer invaluable mentorship and education. The program extends beyond the classroom walls, encompassing various "on-site" visits within the Nashville community and opportunities for international travel and cultural exposure. These experiences contribute to a well-rounded design education that is both challenging and enlightening. The Interior Design program at Belmont equips students for a meaningful and successful career as impactful and inspiring design professionals.
Outline:
Content:
The Interior Design program focuses on equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to create beautiful, functional, and transformative interior spaces. The curriculum emphasizes human-centered design principles, fostering a deep understanding of the impact of built environments on individuals and communities.
Structure:
The program is a four-year, CIDA-accredited journey that prepares students to enter the workforce and pursue licensure. The curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking, creativity, and technical proficiency through a combination of theoretical and practical learning experiences.
Course Schedule:
The program incorporates a comprehensive course schedule, including studio courses, design technology courses, history and theory courses, and professional practice courses. Students progressively develop their skills and knowledge through a sequence of meticulously designed modules.
Modules:
- Studio Courses: Focus on developing design skills and problem-solving abilities through hands-on projects.
- Design Technology Courses: Introduce students to various computer-aided design and drafting tools, enabling them to create professional and effective design documentation.
- History and Theory Courses: Provide a comprehensive understanding of the history of interior design and its theoretical foundations, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Professional Practice Courses: Equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for entering the professional world, including communication, business practices, and ethics.
Individual Module Descriptions:
- ARC 1020, Shop Fabrication and Sustainability: Introduces safe use of tools and materials, while exploring sustainability principles in model and project fabrication.
- ITD 1001, Manual Drafting: Develops basic manual drafting skills through the exploration of plan, elevation, and section drawing components.
- ITD 1002, Design Drawing: Focuses on developing perspective drawing skills for both concept expression and effective presentation.
- ITD 1004, Rendering: Explores color theory and application through various media to enhance communication and expression.
- ITD 1003, Foundations Studio: Introduces a fundamental approach to architectural and interior design through a study of elements and principles, culminating in the development of spatial solutions.
- ITD 1010, Materials 1: Introduces materiality and properties of textiles, including weave, structure, and characteristics.
- ITD 1103, Building Systems I: Explores building materials and structural systems, including fire egress and ADA considerations. Involves site visits for experiential learning.
- ITD 2010, Materials II: Focuses on understanding material use across project types and developing appropriate application strategies. Considers budget constraints and client needs.
- ITD 2001, Interior Design Studio I: Introduces the design process, incorporating sustainable factors and human-centered considerations. Develops skills in space organization, ethical practices, and construction documentation. Explores presentation methods and computer rendering principles.
- ITD 2020, Building Systems II: Delves deeper into electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems, with a focus on lighting principles and application. Explores sound and acoustics for interior design.
- ITD 2200, Interior Design History II: Examines art, architecture, furniture, and design from 1750 to 1900, emphasizing the influence of the Industrial Revolution and its impact on design trends.
- ITD 2002, Interior Design Studio II: Applies design codes and knowledge to create commercial design solutions, incorporating social and psychological influences. Enhances communication skills through design technology.
- ITD 2052, Interior Design Technology II: Advances 2D and 3D modeling and rendering techniques to produce high-quality presentations.
- ITD 2300, Interior Design History III: Explores art, architecture, and design from 1900 to present, focusing on modern and global influences. Examines emerging technologies, materials, and theoretical concepts.
- ITD 3003, Interior Design Studio III: Taught by visiting instructors in specialty design areas, exploring preferred design focuses. Students refine graphic communication skills and develop finish and material schedules.
- ITD 3020, Design Interaction: Explores anthropometrics, ergonomics, and proxemics, focusing on the interaction between humans and design elements. Ensures user-centered design approaches.
- ITD 3120, Personal Branding and Portfolio Development: Develops personal style and branding through marketing materials and career portfolios. Enhances communication and professional skills for networking and interviewing.
- ITD 3004, Interior Design Studio IV: Taught by visiting instructors in specialty design areas, exploring preferred design focuses. Students refine graphic communication skills and develop finish and material schedules.
- ITD 3100, Interior Design Theory: Explores theoretical concepts related to the built environment, examining motivations behind social, experiential, political, and spiritual design. Develops critical thinking and engages in debate.
- ITD 4005, Interior Design Studio V: Focuses on intense research and exploration of a design thesis, refining ideas and experimenting with creative trials. Prepares for the culminating thesis project in Studio VI.
- ITD 4010, Interior Design Professional Practice: Prepares students for professional roles through developing communication skills, understanding licensure and certification requirements. Focuses on cover letters, resumes, digital portfolios, mock interviews, and professional ethics.
- ITD 4100, Interior Design Philosophy: Explores personal design philosophies based on life experiences and global perspectives. Fosters self-reflection and development of individual design ideologies.
- ITD 4006, Interior Design Studio VI: Culminating studio experience, demonstrating proficiency in interior design practices and independent problem-solving. Encourages critical thinking and self-directed application of design principles.
- ITD 4270, Interior Design Internship: Provides practical experience and exposure to the professional world, refining skills and developing industry connections.
Assessment:
The program employs a comprehensive assessment strategy to evaluate student learning and progress. This includes:
- Studio project critiques: Regular feedback and evaluation of design projects in studio courses, providing opportunities for refinement and growth.
- Formal presentations: Presentation of design projects to faculty and peers, fostering communication and critical thinking skills.
- Portfolio development: Ongoing development and refinement of a professional portfolio, showcasing skills and abilities to potential employers.
- Senior thesis project: Culminating assessment requiring independent research, design development, and presentation of a comprehensive design solution.
Teaching:
The Interior Design program boasts a dedicated faculty of experienced professionals who are passionate about design education.
Teaching Methods:
- Studio-based learning: Hands-on, project-oriented approach that emphasizes active learning and problem-solving.
- Guest lectures and workshops: Exposure to industry professionals and diverse perspectives through guest lectures and workshops.
- Collaborative learning: Encouragement of teamwork and collaboration among students, fostering communication and idea exchange.
- International travel opportunities: Broadening of perspectives through culturally immersive experiences.
Faculty:
- Experienced and licensed interior designers and architects.
- Active practitioners in the design industry.
- Dedicated to student success and mentorship.
- Committed to fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating learning environment.
Careers:
Graduates of the Interior Design program are well-prepared for a multitude of exciting career opportunities in the design industry, including:
- Commercial Design: Retail, corporate, schools, churches, etc.
- Hospitality Design: Hotels, restaurants, spas, resorts, etc.
- Residential Design: Custom homes, renovations, and multi-family housing.
- Furniture and Product Design: Creation of furniture, fixtures, and other interior elements.
- Tour Bus, Jet Plane, Yacht, and Cruise Ship Design: Specialized design for transportation environments.
- Exhibit Design: Museums, trade shows, and other exhibition spaces.
- Product Representation: Representing furniture and design brands to clients.
- Furniture Specification: Selecting and specifying furniture for interior projects.
- Project Management: Leading and managing interior design projects.
- Design Education: Teaching and inspiring future generations of interior designers. The program also prepares students for pursuing professional licensure and certification, opening further career advancement opportunities.
Other:
- The program fosters a strong sense of community and collaboration among students and faculty.
- Students have access to world-class facilities and resources, including design labs, fabrication workshops, and a dedicated library.
- The program offers various opportunities for professional development and engagement, including guest lectures, industry events, and student organizations.
- Graduates are highly sought-after by design firms and organizations due to their strong academic foundation, practical skills, and professional preparation.
- Belmont's Interior Design program is consistently ranked among the best in the nation, a testament to its quality and reputation.
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