We live in a world of global human issues, rapidly advancing technologies, and information that changes just as fast as we can consume it. For future interior designers this means that, more than anything else, they must develop skills in critical and creative thinking. An emerging professional who can find and organize information, critically analyze aspects of a problem, and develop creative and practical solutions can excel in design-related fields.
But at the core of it all, design is still people-centered and designers must understand how to relate to people, uncover their needs, and shape the environment to enhance quality of life.
Programs of Study
Additional Information
The Pre-Interior Design (INDX) major provides a structured pathway into the Interior Design program through foundational coursework and a portfolio review process.
At the end of the first full academic year, all pre-interior design student work in CADS 1000 and CADS 1100 will be evaluated through portfolio reviews and ranked to determine the top 55 - 60 students who will then be admitted into the interior design program for sophomore through senior years. Students who are not invited into the program will be advised concerning other curricular options.
Transfer students from on and off campus who are in good academic standing will be placed in pre-interior design (INDX) until they have completed CADS 1000 and CADS 1100 and have been accepted into the Interior Design (INDS) program through the portfolio review. Students with prior design-related coursework either at Auburn or at another institution may request to transfer directly into the interior design program, pending evaluation of transfer credits and academic work.
Students must earn a “C” or better in all required professional courses (i.e., required CADS and other Human Sciences courses). Students must earn a “C” or better on any prerequisite CADS courses before enrolling in the required CADS course.
Courses from the following Auburn University minors and/or certificate programs are approved for Interior Design professional elective credit.
- Business Minor
- Communication Minor
- Foreign Language Minor
- Health Equity Science – Undergraduate Certificate
- Human Development and Family Studies Minor
- Hunger Studies Minor
- International Minor in Human Sciences
- Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies Minor
- Psychology Minor
- Studio Art Minor
- Sustainability Studies Minor
College of Human Sciences Study/Travel Programs can be used for professional elective credit. These courses vary from year to year. Ask your advisor for more information.
- Consumer and Design Sciences Study/Travel
- International Quality of Life Awards and New York Study Tour
- NeoCon/Chicago Study Tour
A brief list of alternative courses that have been approved for INDS professional electives is provided below. Some courses may have prerequisites associated with them. Refer to auburn.edu/bulletin for more information on each course including credit hours, prerequisites, and description.
| ARCH 1000 - Careers in Design and Construction | HOSP 4600 Beverage Appreciation (summer only) |
| ARCH 2600 – The Art of Architecture, Place, and Culture | HUSC 1010 – Introduction to Human Sciences |
| CADS 2700/2703/2707 – Introduction to Nonprofit Organizations | HUSC 2000 - Hunger: Causes, Consequences, and Responses |
| CADS 3700/3703/3707 – Gender, Wealth & Philanthropy | HUSC 5930 – Society and Health |
| CADS 4900 - Undergraduate Teaching Experience | HUSC 5940 – Study and Travel in Human Sciences |
| CADS 5310 – LEED Accreditation and Sustainability | HUSC 5950 – Health Equity Seminar |
| COMM 2410 – Small Group Communication | POLI 3340 – Introduction to Conflict Resolution |
| COMP 1000 – Personal Computer Applications | PRCM 2400 - Foundations of Public Relations |
| COUN 3000 - Career Success | PSYC 2010 – Introduction to Psychology |
| ENVD 2040 - Design, Invention, and Society | PSYC 3590 - Psychology in the Workplace |
| FINC 2400 – Personal Finance | SUST 2000 – Introduction to Sustainability |
| GSHS 2000 Global Studies in Human Sciences | WMST 2100 – Introduction to Women’s Studies |
Please contact Kelly Martin to request approval for a specific course not listed in the above minor listings or course list.
Interior Design is a technology‑forward, studio‑based program. To fully participate in coursework and studio activities, students are expected to have access to a robust laptop computer capable of running professional design software both during studio time and when working outside of the computer lab.
Software and instructional resources are provided by the program and are available in dedicated computer labs. Students are not required to purchase software or program‑sponsored supplies.
Prior to the start of the first term in the program, students receive detailed information outlining recommended laptop specifications to ensure their device supports required applications and workflows. This guidance is shared once students are accepted into the program.
Current requirements are listed below.
The Societies
An Auburn University AU Involve student organization for interior design students comprised of the combined student chapters of the professional organizations American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
American Society for Interior Design — Auburn Student Chapter
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Student Chapter is an affiliate of the American Society of Interior Designers, a professional society of interior designers. The primary purpose of this organization is to enlarge students’ understanding of the interior design profession and the role they might have with this organization through Allied and Professional membership. Activities include student participation in events sponsored by Alabama ASID and National ASID organizations, field trips, design competitions, and other types of pre-professional development activities. Contact the Department Head, Department of Consumer and Design Sciences for further information.
International Interior Design Association — Auburn Student Chapter
The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Student Chapter is an affiliate of the International Interior Design Association of Designers, a professional society of interior designers. The primary purpose of this organization is to work toward the advancement of the value of interior design and its practictioners as well as to cultivate leadership within the profession. IIDA seeks to enlarge students’ understanding of the interior design profession internationally and the role they might have with this organization through Allied and Professional membership. Activities include student participation in events sponsored by Alabama IIDA and National IIDA organizations, field trips, design competitions, and other types of pre-professional development activities. Contact the Department Head, Department of Consumer and Design Sciences for further information.
Program Faculty
