Program Mission
The Bachelor of Fine Arts Program in Interior Design program combines theoretical, conceptual, and practical experiences that reinforce the relationship between knowledge and application within the interior design profession. Major concentration courses cultivate a student?s skills and talents to provide graduates with the foundation to become versatile and responsible interior designers in this constantly evolving field; to meet the needs of all who utilize space, whether to live, work, play, heal, or learn.

Desired Student Outcomes
1. Contextual knowledge: Graduates will have a global view and be able to make design decisions relative ecological, socio-economic, and cultural contexts.
2. Design and problem-solving skills: Graduates will be able to implement the design process using critical and creative thinking to solve problems appropriate to a client?s needs.
3. Communication: Graduates will have written, oral, and visual communication skills and will be able to collaborate in teams.
4. Professionalism: Graduates will demonstrate awareness of industry practices and conduct themselves in a professional manner.
5. Design principles: Graduates will be able to apply historic influences and design principles in order to deliver functionally and aesthetically appropriate interior spaces.
6. Knowledge of the field: Graduates will apply specific knowledge of the components of interior environments while considering the impact of building construction and systems.
7. Regulations: Graduates will have the ability to apply building codes, accessibility guidelines, and sustainable practices with consideration given to human factors.

Program Description
Interior Design students are encouraged to develop unique and comprehensive design solutions; giving consideration to client needs, building codes, accessibility guidelines, and sustainability. The sequential program courses foster utilization of the design process. Technical skill-building and studio coursework offer students opportunities to gain understanding of the elements and principles of residential and commercial design, manual and computer-based skills, written and oral communication skills, and be better informed of industry certification exams and registration. The program offers a stimulating learning environment led by dedicated and professional faculty where committed and talented students can develop their creativity and acquire the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in interior design.

Graduation Requirements
To receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design, students must complete a minimum of 180 quarter-credits with 60 quarter-credits in general education courses with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. Also, a student must receive a passing grade or credit for all required course work, meet portfolio requirements and satisfy all financial obligations with The Illinois Institute of Art. Graduating students must pass a required course where a portfolio is produced. The portfolio must demonstrate entry-level employment competencies appropriate to the specific degree program. Each student in required to participate in the Senior Portfolio Show.

Transfer credit
Interior Design students must complete a minimum of 25% of their General Education required coursework and 50% of their core required coursework (Art Foundations or Interior Design) at the branch location specific to where their degree is ultimately earned, unless deemed otherwise by the Academic Director of Interior Design. Consideration of transfer of credit in the core curriculum, whether from a branch location, another Art Institute schools or another institution, is evaluated with a portfolio review where the Academic Department Director will determine if minimum competencies and standards have been met.

Note: Twenty-four hours of requirements vary between Schaumburg and the other three campuses. This in some cases affects prerequisites and course sequences.

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