The interior design program is a four-year, professional curriculum accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).  Accreditations are based on reviews of program competencies and outcomes.  CIDA accreditation provides evidence that the competences required to become a professional interior designer are met by the program and students.  K-State’s interior design program is within the College of Human Ecology, thus students attain a human ecological perspective on the role of interior design in meeting human needs and enhancing quality of life.

Interior designers identify, research, and creatively solve problems related to the function of interior environments in order to enhance quality of life and protect public health, safety, and welfare.  Interior designers perform services such as programming, design analysis, spatial design, specifications of furnishing and materials, construction documentation, and construction observation.  Interior designers use specialized knowledge of human behavior, aesthetics, building regulations, building construction systems, interior materials and finishes, furnishings, and equipment.

The interior design program emphasizes the interaction between humans and the interior environment.  Students are encouraged to become professionals who design interior spaces that are sustainable and enhance user satisfaction, productivity, and safety at all stages of the life cycle.  Interior design students take courses in human behavior in the designed environment, interior design, graphic communications, building construction, building systems, history of interior design, basic and advanced computer applications, construction documentation, and professional practice.  Areas of focused study available to majors are diverse and include lighting, housing, design for special needs, historic preservation, and sustainable design.

Employment Prospects

Interior design graduates are employed in a variety of architecture and interior design firms, and facilities planning and management positions.  They also work in specialty design (e.g., kitchen, bath, or lighting design; office systems planning; health care facilities; and accessible design) and in furnishings and finishes sales.

Employment is available domestically and in international offices of multi-national corporations.  Job opportunities for interior designers are most plentiful in metropolitan areas.

Special features

• Four-year professional program accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
• Students are well served by the program’s unique combination of an emphasis in the knowledge of human behavior in the designed environment and professional competencies in interior design.
• Opportunities in coursework and experience-based learning provide exposure to diverse cultural perspectives.
• Teaching and research facilities include dedicated studios and a comprehensive professional resource library.
• Student may choose to participate in summer internships, study abroad, and a variety of both domestic and foreign study tours.
• The student organization, iDesign, provides opportunities for leadership and involvement in professional based organizations of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
• Successful student participation in regional, national, and international design competitions.

What will I study?

The Interior Design Program is a studio-based curriculum specifically structured to integrate learning with related professional courses taken sequentially and concurrently.  ID Studios 1-8 are sequential beginning with design fundamentals and progress through more complex learning in design graphics, spatial composition and space planning, design and execution of working drawings, sustainability, material specification, universal and accessible design, building and life safety codes.  Senior level studios (7-8) provide capstone projects that are professionally comprehensive and often team based.

Specific profession courses also include:

• Design Behavior in the Interior Environment
• History of Interior Design I & II
• Construction Methods and Materials for Interior Design
• Computer-Aided Visual Communication in Interior Design
• Environmental Systems for Interior Design
• ID Practices and Procedures
• Design for Supportive Environments

Elective professional courses include:

• Advanced Design & Behavior
• Historic Preservation
• Housing & Its Environment
• Interior Design Internship
• Lighting for Interiors
• Topics in Advanced ID Theory

The program includes courses in communication, social and natural sciences, quantitative studies, humanities, art, business, and textiles.

High school preparation

Students who have completed a college preparatory curriculum are best suited for the interior design program.  Preparation or experience in hand drawing, two-dimensional and three-dimensional design, geometry, algebra, physical science, world history, and written and oral communications is strongly recommended.  Cultural and creative activities and exposure to a wide range of cultures through travel and study are encouraged.

Admission

Admission to the interior design program is selective and highly competitive.  Applicants are admitted on the basis of academic performance and availability of space.

February 1 Priority Application Deadline

High school applicants must submit a complete K-State admissions application (including an official high school transcript, official ACT or SAT scores, and application fee) to the K-State Office of Admissions.

Transfer applicants must submit a complete K-State admissions application, including official transcript(s) for all post-secondary courses completed and application fee to the K-State Office of Admissions.

Continuing K-State students must submit an internal application form to the Department of Apparel, Textiles and Interior Design (ATID).  These applications are available in the ATID departmental office.

Review of all applications will begin February 1.  Applicants who apply after the February 1 date will be automatically placed on a wait list.

Notification

Applicants will be reviewed by the interior design faculty, and in most cases will be notified of their admission status to the interior design program in March.  In some instances high school applicants who have been awarded premier scholarships will qualify for early admission and will be notified in January. 

Computer access

Interior Design students are required to provide their own laptop computer beginning their second year of study in the program.  Please consult the Interior Design website for computer requirements.  As technology changes, so do the computer specifications.  Students are encouraged to verify the most current requirements prior to purchase prior to the beginning of their second year.

Bachelor’s degree requirements