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Department of Design and Merchandising
College of Health and Human Sciences

Design and Merchandising B.S. in Interior Architecture and Design

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Considering an Interior Architecture and Design Degree?

A bachelor’s degree in interior architecture and design will give you the knowledge and skills to start satisfying careers ranging from design and architecture, lighting design, to facility and showroom management.

In our program, your degree will include courses like:

  • Visual Communication
  • Interior Architecture Design Technologies
  • Construction Management
  • Design Thinking
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Global Environmental Sustainability
  • Graphic Design

Our program has an academically rigorous curriculum that is research-based and focuses on problem-solving. We emphasize the importance of understanding cultural, environmental, and historical perspectives in the design process and how it influences successful solutions.

Watch the video to learn what it’s like to be a student in the Interior Architecture and Design major.

Audio Described Version of Interior Architecture and Design Student Feature: Andy Johnston (best experienced in Chrome)

Interior Architecture and Design Curriculum

Major in Interior Architecture and Design

Get Inspired Design Library

The Department of Design and Merchandising supports a resource called the Design Library, which is similar to what you would find in professional architecture and interior design firms. The library serves as in inspiration to students through it’s collection of the most up-to-date, futuristic materials, products, and finishes.

Design Library
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Interior Architecture and Design News

Read more to learn what it’s like to be a part of CSU’s Interior Architecture and Design Program.

Interior Architecture and Design students win prestigious industry award two years in a row

Student design showing a lobby space

Interior Architecture and Design virtual show features students’ capstone projects during COVID-19

Student design of a hotel lobby

Interior Architecture and Design students reimagine spaces for CSU’s Early Childhood Center

An IAD student reads with children in the ECC library

Interior Architecture and Design Program nationally recognized for excellence

Leah Scolere
News Stories on CSU's SOURCE

Accreditation

The interior design program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture and Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, 206 Grandville Ave., Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture and Design granted by Colorado State University meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: https://www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements.

Mission

The program guides students toward becoming dedicated interior designers with strong communication skills and creative problem solving while preparing them to make positive impacts in the practice of interior design through multidimensional practice opportunities. The program engages in its mission through research-based problem solving providing a solid transition from education to practice in a global community.

Goals

The interior architecture and design faculty strive to deliver program outcomes through five goals maximizing our location and resources and embracing change as a constant variable.

  • Apply research-based problem solving to effect positive change in the health, welfare, and quality of life.
  • Integrate a cultural perspective in the study of environments for diverse populations.
  • Utilize community engagement and service-learning.
  • Embrace creativity and technology as resources and tools for innovation.
  • Support learning outside the classroom to expand understanding of the profession and practice.
Council for Interior Design Accreditation

Resources Prospective and Current Students

Paying for College

There are several scholarships available specifically for Design and Merchandising majors, all you have to do is fill out the general CSU scholarship application. Search the College scholarship database to see the full list.

Student Organizations

As an Interior Architecture Design major, you can get involved in our student organizations where you can network with industry professionals, and build leadership experience in a club officer role.

Advising and Support

Get in touch with an academic success coordinator, who can help you answer questions about which majors and careers might be right for you, what courses and extracurricular activities will help you prepare, and how to stay on track for graduation.

Highlights

Interior Architecture and Design Capstone Projects

Congratulations to all our IAD students who completed their capstone projects. Take a moment to browse their exceptional work.

Rendering of large stage performance space with seats and musical stands on the stage and large seating area for the audience. A large crystal lighting structure hangs from the ceiling.

Accreditation

CIDA Logo

Our Interior Architecture and Design program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.