Interior Design could be a home run major option for any student with both an artistic as well as practical/technical bent. Interior Design Majors apply traditional drawing, model making, and computer-based design software to the development and planning of interior space. The curriculum provides for the study of the foundational design elements such as space, form, color and light, as well as the functional and pragmatic application of construction systems, building codes and regulations, and the selection of appropriate finishes, materials and furnishings.
This major, often housed in Schools of Architecture or Art, teaches students to create distinct, responsive, functional, attractive, and dynamic environments for living and working. The major is interdisciplinary, and includes the study of the foundational art and design elements such as space, form, color and light, as well as the functional and pragmatic application of construction systems, regulations, and building codes as well as the selection of appropriate finishes, materials and furnishings. The curriculum also includes the study of design theory, behavior science and human behavior, as well as the history of the interior environments.
The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) accredits ID programs and Ohio has six accredited programs including ones at Kent State University, Miami University, Ohio State University, Ohio University, University of Akron, and the University of Cincinnati. Programs not accredited by CIDA include Cleveland Institute of Art, Columbus College of Art and Design, Cuyahoga Community College, and Sinclair Community College. Graduates of both accredited and unaccredited programs may sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in order to become Certified Interior Designers. Note that 3,530 ID work hours are also required to sit.
Prospective students should note that programs differ a bit in terms of where they are housed at a University. Interior Design programs in Art Departments favor the aesthetic and artistic aspects of ID, whereas those housed in Design or Architectural Departments favor the architectural and technical. A student’s preferences, interests, and strengths may align better with one or the other.
About the Author: After touring 60 of the best colleges in Ohio, Dr. Jay, a prior faculty member and dean, founded College Bound Advantage (CBA) – a Columbus, Ohio college consulting firm. CBA specializes in helping families optimize college selection around 18 “fit factors” and helping students clarify co-curricular and major options while exploring colleges that specialize in them. College Bound Advantage serves all of Ohio including Cleveland, Akron, and Cincinnati metro areas. Check us out at www.collegeboundadvantage.com or check out what we can do for you here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98
