Interior Design Sam Houston State University

Overview

The Interior Design programme at Sam Houston State University provides a robust academic foundation for students aspiring to enhance human environments through purposeful and functional design. This course integrates creative vision with technical proficiency to ensure graduates can effectively protect public health, safety, and welfare.

Students can choose between a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science track, both of which are delivered through face-to-face instruction at the Huntsville campus. The curriculum is designed as a progressive learning experience, moving from fundamental principles to a complex senior capstone project over a minimum of six semesters.

A defining feature of the curriculum is the mandatory sophomore design portfolio review conducted during the spring semester.

Why Interior Design at Sam Houston State University?

The programme holds prestigious dual accreditation from the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). These credentials ensure the curriculum meets rigorous industry standards and qualifies graduates to sit for the NCIDQ examination.

Students benefit from an active Interior Design Program Advisory Board, which connects the classroom to the professional workplace. This board consists of industry leaders who participate in studio critiques, firm tours, and curriculum reviews, providing students with invaluable networking opportunities and contemporary insights.

The university provides state-of-the-art labs where students gain hands-on experience with essential industry software, including CAD and Revit. There is also a unique focus on healthcare design, allowing learners to explore how spatial environments support well-being in hospitals and clinical settings.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 23520 per year
• National fee: USD 23520 per year
• Local fee: USD 11370 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Interior Design
• Space Planning
• Materials
• Lighting
• Codes
• Construction Documents
• Ergonomics
• Critical Thinking
• Drawing
• Interior Codes and Standards
• Healthcare Design

Careers with Interior Design

Graduates are well-prepared for entry-level practice and often secure employment immediately upon completion of their studies. The programme boasts a high job placement rate, with recent alumni finding roles in both commercial and residential design sectors.

Common career paths include becoming a registered interior designer, space planner, or design showroom manager. Graduates also find success in architectural and design sales, or as assistant designers within multidisciplinary firms alongside architects and engineers.

To bridge the gap between education and employment, all majors must complete a supervised internship of at least 200 hours. This requirement allows students to apply their skills in real-world settings and build a professional network before entering the competitive job market.