COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design at Rochester Institute of Technology follows a structured four-year curriculum designed to develop strong foundational, technical, and professional skills in designing functional and human-centered interior spaces. In the first year, students build core artistic abilities through courses such as Drawing I, 2D Design I, and 3D Design I, along with introductory interior design and design drawing courses that introduce basic spatial thinking and creative problem-solving. The second year focuses on developing essential technical knowledge through courses like Introduction to Interior Design II, Design Drawing II, Digital Graphics, Building Systems, Color and Lighting Theory, Hospitality Design, and Design Issues, while also integrating general education in ethics and social perspectives. In the third year, students advance to more specialized and professional design areas including Office Design, Materials and Specifications, History of Architecture, Interiors and Furniture I & II, Contract Documents, Exhibition and Merchandising Design, and Business Practices and Career Planning, which help them understand industry standards and design application in real-world contexts. The final year emphasizes advanced design studios and professional readiness through courses such as Multi-Story/Multi-Purpose Design, Health Care Design, and a two-part Interior Design Capstone sequence, supported by immersion and elective courses that allow further exploration and specialization. Overall, the Interior Design program at Rochester Institute of Technology prepares students to become skilled professionals capable of creating innovative, sustainable, and functional interior environments across residential, commercial, and institutional settings.