LTU’s Bachelor of Science in Interior Design is a professional, CIDA-accredited program that prepares you to go beyond aesthetics to design intentional, narrative-driven environments that enhance how people live, work, and interact. The curriculum blends hands-on studio experience with design theory, technical skills, collaborative processes, and advanced technology, ensuring that you develop both the creative vision and professional expertise required in today’s design industry.
You’ll work on real-world, industry-sponsored projects, learn from practicing designers, and engage with the latest digital tools, research methods, and fabrication technologies. As part of LTU’s laptop program, you’ll receive a Lenovo ThinkPad P1 G5 through LTU’s laptop program, equipped with the professional software used throughout the design and architecture industries, supporting seamless professional workflows.
Accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and a registered campus center of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), the program provides a strong foundation for professional pathways, including NCIDQ eligibility.
If you’re interested in expanding your expertise into architecture, LTU also offers a direct-entry Master of Architecture pathway with an additional 58 credits of graduate studies in LTU’s MArch program.
Interior Design graduates pursue careers in design firms, architecture offices, corporate design teams, and specialty sectors. Students and alumni hold positions at:
Bedrock Detroit, Michigan Medicine, SmithGroup, Walt Disney World, Gensler, InForm Studio, The Collaborative, Stellantis (FCA), CBRE, Boyne Design Group, Progressive Companies, NBS Commercial Interiors, Gresham Smith, DFab, French Associates, Hobbs + Black Architects, Illuminating Concepts, Quinn Evans, DIGBAR Interiors + Architecture, CallisonRTKL, Laurel & Wolf, Adam Rogers Studio, and Nelson.
Admission follows standard University requirements. Portfolios are not required.
Total Semester Credit Hours: 120.
Course Name
Course #
Credits
An introduction to the fundamental issues shared by all design disciplines: design as process, visual literacy, how design communicates, ordering systems, principles of composition, global design cultures, and design ethics. Examples for study and discussion are drawn from a broad range of designed media: architecture, transportation, literature, graphics, games, music, cinema, common consumer objects, cultural artifacts, and dance.
DES1022
2
An introduction to formal and process principles that underlie all design disciplines. The course explores both fundamentals of visual interpretation as well as conceptual processes and tactics that are involved in building more complex methodologies. The focus of the course is on visual literacy, formal principles and the identification of relevancies as building blocks in design project significance and meaning.
DES1213
3
Introduction to representational theory and practice within an architectural context. This coursework will introduce contemporary tools, application strategies, representational formats, and presentation methods with increasing complexity and consequence regarding design, technology, and practice. Students will utilize a precursory hybrid of digital and physical tools in the analytical representation of existing works of architecture. Course work visualizes architecture comprehensively as three-dimensional constructs and environments which become organized into two-dimensional visual information.
ARC1213
3
Quadratic equations, functions and graphs, systems of equations, inequalities, logarithms, trigonometric functions, identities, equations. No credit after completion of MCS1224 or MCS1414. Calculus
MCS1074
4
College Composition develops students’ acquisition of the fundamental principles of academic writing. This course focuses on the development of writing thesis statements and main arguments, topic sentences, transitional words and phrases, supporting paragraphs, use of evidence, essay organization, and research skills. Extensive writing and research practice is required.
COM1103
3
Total Credits:
15
Course Name
Course #
Credits
A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to critically engage texts of the ancient global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.
HUM1213
3
Students study current environmental issues in the context of their scientific (biological, chemical, geological) underpinnings, while also considering the political, social and cultural dimensions of these issues. Also, the course addresses the role of scientific knowledge in understanding and resolving environmental problems, such as climate change, population growth, deforestation, extinction, air and water pollution, food production, and environmental health.
PSC1143
3
Advanced representational theory and practice within an architectural context. This coursework will deeply examine contemporary tools, application strategies, representational formats, and presentation methods with increasing complexity and consequence regarding design, technology, and practice. Students will utilize an advanced hybrid of digital and physical tools in the analytical representation of existing works of architecture. Coursework visualizes architecture comprehensively as three-dimensional constructs and environments which become organized into two-dimensional visual information.
ARC1223
3
Advanced application of basic principles in dynamic situations that include multiple disciplinary interests and priorities. Students are introduced to working methodologies that are used in design contexts practice to ideate, generate, explore, propose, and finalize works of design. Disciplinary-specific contexts are introduced within larger project-based delivery. (Studio)
DES1223
3
“Algebra based kinematics and dynamics of particles, work, energy, bodies in equilibrium, rotational motion, thermal energy and thermodynamics.
3 Credit Hours. Lect. 3 hrs.
PHY2213
3
Introductory laboratory covering experiments to complement College Physics 1. 1 Credit Hours. Lab 2 hrs. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: PHY 2213.
PHY2221
1
Total Credits:
16
Course Name
Course #
Credits
A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to engage texts of the modern global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, photography, film, digital media, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.
HUM1223
3
An exploration of the societal role of interior design as a profession and a survey of interiors to the present. The course will examine the temporality of interior space and the embodiment of culture, community, and identity through the expression of aesthetics, form, objects, materials, and decorative elements.
INX2313
3
This course will focus on physical and cognitive ergonomics. Students learn to observe and examine the behaviors and skills of humans and specifications for our designed environment.
IDD3713
3
An introductory interior design studio centered on how humans create and occupy space. The introduction of Interior-specific vocabulary, skills, techniques, contexts and practices, extending from fundamental design elements and principles focused on the design process, scale and the human body in space, access, and navigation.
INX2513
3
This course is a comprehensive introduction to the study of visual communication. Projects develop visual communication techniques that explore the relationship between type and image, information graphics (infographics), composition, sequencing, and design systems. Students develop a vocabulary to engage with project workflow, as well as a working process that is rooted in design thinking.
GRA2523
3
Total Credits:
15
Course Name
Course #
Credits
An investigation of the physical properties and application of materials for interior construction systems, assemblies and components. Exploration into current and emerging materials will be emphasized along with the impact in larger systems such as sustainability, life cycle, well-being, and historical positioning.
INX2323
3
An exploration of the influences of environments on human behavior, including a study of the methods and tools used to evaluate psychological response and human needs.
INX2413
3
Introduction to the theory and practice of prototyping and fabrication. The course advances the production of physical outcomes focusing on the relationship between information and morphology. Multiple levels of design development and implementation are addressed using current industry standards and state-of-the-art fabrication processes.
ARC3823
3
The interrelationship of light and color are explored in their relation to interior space, materials, form, and scale, and with regard to design principles. Lighting and color vocabulary, theory, and application are utilized in the creation of interior environments. Topics include daylight, shadow, artificial lighting systems and sources, material and surface response: reflection, refraction, absorption, and diffusion.
INX2523
3
This course covers descriptive statistics, probability, and probability distributions with an emphasis on statistical inference such as confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression, chi-square tests, t-and F-distributions, and selected nonparametric tests.
MCS2124
4
The course is a one-time portfolio submittal during the second semester of the sophomore year. It is administered by the Directors of the respective programs. Used for advising, faculty from the programs will review the contents of the portfolio to guide students towards a successful completion of their chosen degree path. Students will be provided a template to inform the content of their portfolios.
DES2020
0
Total Credits:
16
Course Name
Course #
Credits
SSC Elective
SSC2XX3
3
Training in a systematic method for producing effective technical communication, written reports, letters, and memos as well as oral presentations. Lecture 3 hours. 3 hours credit
COM2103
3
History and philosophy of architecture in a context of related arts, crafts, and designed setting, studied in significant periods of the western world of antiquity, the Middle Ages (including Byzantine and Islamic extensions), and the Renaissance and Baroque eras.
ARC3613
3
A comprehensive survey of the furniture and millwork industry. The selection, specification and procurement processes of residential and non-residential furniture will be introduced. Knowledge of the design and construction, with an emphasis on application of materials and components, and the technology used to fabricate furniture and architectural millwork, will be developed. Topics include ergonomics, performance standards, code implications, universal design principles, sustainability and parametric design.
INX3313
3
This interior design studio will explore the comprehensive applications of the design process in historic and/or global settings. The course will integrate user needs along with the functional and aesthetic design of an interior environment through means of installation, insertion and/or intervention. The studio focuses on connecting users to community, heritage, ritual, societal narratives, and issues surrounding historic structures.
INX3513
3
Total Credits:
15
Course Name
Course #
Credits
LLT Elective
LLT2XX3
3
History and philosophy of architecture and related design studied in significant periods in Asian, Pre-Columbian cultures and in the modern world from the 18th century. Lect. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: ARC 3613 (min. grade D-).
ARC3623
3
Building construction and systems for interiors and will address structural systems, construction materials, thermal comfort, lighting and visual comfort, sound and acoustical comfort, plumbing and water systems, electrical and data requirements, and building safety systems and considerations.
INX3213
3
This project-based course will emphasize the collaborative nature of the professional working environment where teamwork is standard practice. Projects can be generated either by a sponsored project from an external source or by the team of faculty.
DES3623
3
This course centers on the development of a comprehensive drawing set through the engagement of construction documentation, system and assembly detailing, and the specification of furniture, fixtures, equipment, materials and interior components. Construction documents will be prepared to industry standards and applicable code regulations.
INX3223
3
Total Credits:
15
Course Name
Course #
Credits
This course focuses on leadership skills specific to the allied disciplines of design within the College of Architecture and Design. Students will engage models of leadership relevant to a dynamic and evolving professional context. Course content will include typologies of leadership organization, principles of successful teamwork and collaboration, viable economic frameworks, ethics and design entrepreneurship.
DES4112
2
A survey course of design theory that presents theoretical and philosophical cultural belief systems that affect the production of objects and environments. Studies explore multiple points-of-views and attitudes towards knowledge construction in society as understood through historical and contemporary positions.
DES4643
3
The study of the interior design profession; theoretical and practical functions of commercial/contract practice as a business including management, planning, marketing, or organizational structure, firm activities and scheduling, professional contract interior services and ethics, business liabilities and legal responsibilities.
INX4313
3
Radical empathy in a human-centered design approach is introduced through an investigation of the extent to which interior design can support and shape behavior for a diverse set of users with varying, complex requirements. The course explores preconceived notions around the nature of design, not as a luxury but as a human right. Emphasis will be on the development of ethically conscious design decisions in space typologies that range from permanent, provisional, mobile and transient installations.
INX4513
3
An approach to solving complex interior design issues is defined through theoretical, social, cultural and physical responses. Qualitative and quantitative data from primary and secondary sources of research will be analyzed to support the understanding and impact of the project context. Diverse research methodologies will be introduced with an emphasis on written, diagrammatic and graphic content as a method of communication.
INX4213
3
Total Credits:
14
Course Name
Course #
Credits
LLT Elective
LLT/SSC/PSY 3/4XX3
3
An interior design studio focused on the synthesis of information learned throughout the curriculum as applied to a significant, complex interior project. Projects will engage high-performance building and material systems that support ecological sustainability, and the health and well-being of the intended users.
INX4523
3
CoAD Elective
ARC / ARI / ART / DES / GAM / GRA / IDD / INX
XXX3
3
CoAD Elective
ARC / ARI / ART / DES / GAM / GRA / IDD / INX
XXX3
3
CoAD Elective
ARC / ARI / ART / DES / GAM / GRA / IDD / INX
XXX3
3
Total Credits:
15
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