Interior Design Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Overview

The Interior Design programme at Indiana University of Pennsylvania provides a rigorous academic foundation for students aspiring to transform internal environments. This degree focuses on the intersection of aesthetic creativity and public health, ensuring graduates can improve the well-being of those inhabiting their designed spaces.

Students engage in a curriculum anchored in research and originality, fostering critical thinking alongside practical skills. The course structure ensures that learners master industry-standard technology while developing a deep understanding of safety and welfare regulations within the built environment.

The learning experience is defined by small studio classes that allow for direct interaction with expert faculty.

Why Interior Design at Indiana University of Pennsylvania?

Indiana University of Pennsylvania stands out as the only institution within Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education to offer this specialised major. This unique position allows students to benefit from the resources of a large university while enjoying the intimacy of a focused professional programme.

The department maintains a Professional Advisory Board consisting of active architects and designers who meet annually with faculty. This collaboration ensures the curriculum remains aligned with current global standards and prepares students for the evolving demands of the modern design industry.

Facilities include dedicated art studios in Sprowls Hall where students gain proficiency in essential software. Training covers SketchUp Pro, AutoCAD, Revit, 2020 Design Live, and the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, providing a competitive edge in the technical job market.

Beyond the classroom, students participate in transformative field trips to historic sites and trade shows. Previous excursions have included visits to Frank Lloyd Wright properties, the High Point Residential Furniture Market, and restoration tours in Colonial Williamsburg to observe design principles in practice.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 11592 per year
• National fee: USD 11592 per year
• Local fee: USD 7994 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to build technical foundations in the first two years before advancing to complex studio projects. Modules may include:

• Interior Design
• SketchUp Pro
• AutoCAD
• Revit
• 2020 Design Live
• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Portfolio Development
• Capstone Project

Careers with Interior Design

Graduates are prepared for immediate entry-level positions across diverse sectors of the design industry. The programme's emphasis on creating a professional portfolio ensures that students are ready for interviews with architectural firms, design agencies, or corporate departments.

Common career paths include roles in commercial design for corporate offices, healthcare facilities, and hospitality venues. Graduates also find success in specialised fields such as kitchen and bath design, lighting design, retail space planning, and theatrical set design.

The degree also provides a strong foundation for those interested in self-employment or entrepreneurial ventures. Additionally, alumni are well-qualified to pursue further academic study, such as a master’s degree in interior architecture, to advance their professional standing.