Interior Design

The Bachelor of Science in Interior Design at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities offers students a comprehensive and engaging education in the art and science of creating functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable interior environments. This program combines rigorous coursework in design principles, technical skills, and professional practice with hands-on experiences and real-world projects. Students will explore a broad range of topics including space planning, color theory, furniture design, lighting, sustainable design, and building systems, enabling them to develop innovative solutions tailored to diverse client needs. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, teamwork, and ethical responsibilities, preparing graduates for careers in residential, commercial, healthcare, hospitality, and institutional interiors. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including design studios, laboratories, and technology resources, to support their creative and technical development. The program also encourages engagement with industry professionals through internships, collaborations, and studio exhibitions, providing valuable networking opportunities. By the end of their studies, students will have assembled a professional portfolio demonstrating their design capabilities and readiness to enter the interior design profession or pursue advanced degrees. The University of Minnesota's commitment to sustainability and innovation ensures students are equipped to shape interior environments that are both functional and environmentally responsible. Graduates of this program are well-positioned to contribute to the built environment with a thoughtful blend of aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, making them highly competitive in the dynamic field of interior design.

Students must complete a 200-hour internship (IDES 4196) after completing IDES 3606. All coursework in the major must be taken A-F (with the exception of the internship).

Communication Course

• WRIT 3577W - Rhetoric, Technology, and the Internet [TS, WI] (3.0 cr)

Psychology Course

• PSY 1001 - Introduction to Psychology [SOCS] (4.0 cr)

Major Courses

• ADES 2213 - Textile Analysis (4.0 cr)
• ARCH 3711W - Environmental Design and the Sociocultural Context [SOCS, CIV, WI] (3.0 cr)
• ARTH 1001 - Introduction to Art History: Prehistoric to Contemporary [AH] (4.0 cr)
• DES 3201 - Career and Internship Preparation for Design (1.0 cr)
• DES 4165 - Design and Globalization [DSJ] (3.0 cr)
• IDES 2603 - Interior Design Studio III (4.0 cr)
• IDES 2604 - Interior Design Studio IV (4.0 cr)
• IDES 2612 - Interior Materials and Specifications [ENV] (4.0 cr)
• IDES 2613 - Interior Structures, Systems, and Life Safety (4.0 cr)
• IDES 2622 - Computer Applications I (2.0 cr)
• IDES 3161 - History of Interiors and Furnishings: Ancient to 1750 [GP] (4.0 cr)
• IDES 3162 - History of Interiors and Furnishings: 1750 to Present [HIS] (4.0 cr)
• IDES 3605 - Interior Design Studio V (4.0 cr)
• IDES 3606 - Interior Design Studio VI (4.0 cr)
• IDES 3612 - Lighting Design (3.0 cr)
• IDES 3614 - Interior Design Ethics and Professional Practice [CIV] (4.0 cr)
• IDES 3622 - Computer Applications II (2.0 cr)
• IDES 4196 - Internship in Interior Design (1.0 cr)
• IDES 4607 - Interior Design Studio VII (4.0 cr)
• IDES 4608 - Interior Design Thesis (4.0 cr)
• IDES 4615W - Interior Design Research [WI] (3.0 cr)
• ARCH 3412 - Architectural History Since 1750 [HIS, GP] (3.0 cr)
• or ARCH 3412H - Honors: Architectural History Since 1750 [HIS, GP] (3.0 cr)

Upper Division Writing Intensive within the Major

Students are required to take one upper division writing intensive course within the major. If that requirement has not been satisfied within the core major requirements, students must choose one course from the following list. Some of these courses may also fulfill other major requirements.

Take 0 - 1 course(s) from the following:

• ARCH 3711W - Environmental Design and the Sociocultural Context [SOCS, CIV, WI] (3.0 cr)
• IDES 4615W - Interior Design Research [WI] (3.0 cr)
• WRIT 3577W - Rhetoric, Technology, and the Internet [TS, WI] (3.0 cr)

Requirements

• Completed Application for Admission
• $55 U.S. nonrefundable application fee
  If you apply online, you may pay the fee online using a credit card.
• Secondary school transcript from each secondary school/high school attended
  If you have graduated from high school/secondary school, the final school transcript must include grades through the end of the last year in school (equivalent to the 12th year of high school in the U.S.) and the year of graduation. If you were also issued a graduation certificate or leaving examination results, we must also receive a copy of this document. You may submit these documents online using our Secondary School Document Submission form.
• English proficiency test scores
  If your native language is not English, a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) score is required. Official test scores must be sent directly to the University of Minnesota by the testing agency.

Scholarships

• The University of Minnesota offers a limited number of Global Excellence Scholarships for incoming freshmen and transfer international students studying on an F-1 visa and admitted for fall semesters. The Gold Global Excellence Scholarship awards the full difference between resident and non-resident tuition (freshmen only) and the Maroon Global Excellence Scholarship awards 50% of the difference between resident and non-resident tuition (freshmen and transfer students). 
• New international freshman admitted to the University will also be considered for the Undergraduate Research Scholarship. Recipients receive $1,400 for participation in a faculty sponsored University of Minnesota research project and up to an additional $300 in support of supplies and expenses related to their research project.

The Interior Design program at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Campus offers students a comprehensive education in the field of interior environments, focusing on both the functional and aesthetic aspects of interior spaces. The program emphasizes developing students' skills in space planning, materials and finishes, lighting design, and sustainable practices, preparing them for diverse careers in interior design, consultation, and related fields. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and are encouraged to engage in hands-on learning through studio courses, internships, and collaborative projects with industry partners. The curriculum integrates design theory, professional practice, and technological skills, including proficiency in industry-standard software. The program aims to foster creativity, technical expertise, and an understanding of human-centered design principles, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to address the evolving demands of the interior design profession. Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of ethical practices, cultural awareness, and environmental responsibility, preparing students to create interior spaces that are not only visually appealing but also sustainable and accessible. Opportunities for research, continuing education, and professional development are also integral parts of the program, supporting students’ growth beyond graduation. The University of Minnesota’s interior design program maintains strong connections with industry organizations and alumni networks, providing studentswith valuable professional networking opportunities. The program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), ensuring it meets national standards for quality and professional readiness. Overall, the Interior Design program at the University of Minnesota offers a rigorous, immersive educational experience, equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and ethical foundation to excel in the interior design industry and contribute positively to their communities.