Bachelor of Science in Interior Design (BS-INDS)

Quality interior design goes far beyond aesthetics. Regardless if a space is for residential or non-residential use, color, lighting, acoustics, durability, traffic flow, ventilation, user preferences, and style are among the important factors to consider in planning and producing a functional and satisfying environment. The Interior Design (INDS) program, accredited by the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER), provides graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers as professionals in a variety of settings.

The INDS Curriculum

The university liberal education core curriculum provides students in the INDS major with the broadly based educational foundation important to solid design training. Students gain an appreciation and understanding of the history and development of the arts, knowledge important for application in many areas of interior design. This knowledge is a base for further coursework in art history, survey of decorative arts, furnishings for interiors, textiles and other INDS course requirements.

The College of Human Sciences core curriculum helps students to develop an understanding of individuals and families as consumers, giving students a unique perspective on design from the "users" needs and preferences. This functional perspective is important to the development and implementation of designs for both residential and non-residential spaces. Additionally, the curriculum includes a strong business focus, including accounting, economics, and marketing. Business competency is enhanced through the student's individualized choices of professional electives in business and consumer studies. Practical applications of the general business principles gained through these courses are applied in courses such as "Business Practices in Interior Design" and are integrated into upper level courses such as "Residential Interiors" and Non-Residential Interiors".

Drafting and design presentation skills are developed and polished in studio classes. "Technical Design", "Visual Presentations", "Computer-Aided-Design" and "Portfolio Development" along with the "Directed Research" and "Design Thesis" courses, give students experience with drafting, layout, and presentation board development, skills which are critical to success in a career focusing on interior design. Graduates leave Auburn with an impressive portfolio of work, an effective demonstration of their talent and experience.

All majors complete a ten week professional internship which allows them to gain experience in an area of interior design congruent with their individual career aspirations and geographical area of preference. Many students receive permanent employment opportunities as a result of the internship experiences.

Career Preparation

Graduates of the INDS program are prepared to enter many different design-related careers. Some graduates choose positions with interior design firms, others work as members of architectural design teams, and others serve as consultants or free-lance designers. Among the positions graduates may choose to pursue are:

• Commercial Interior Designer (including office, public space, institutional health care/medical facility, or hotel/restaurant/club design)


• Residential Interior Designer


• Lighting Specialist


• Facilities Planner


• Kitchen and Bath Designer


• Home Fashions Marketing and Sales Representative