COURSE CURRICULUM

The Interior Design program at The University of Alabama requires students to complete a comprehensive curriculum of 60–73 credit hours that combines creative design, technical skills, and professional preparation for careers in residential and commercial interior design. The program begins with foundational art and design courses such as ART 110 Drawing I and ART 131 3D Design, along with introductory design exposure through CTD 102 Applied Design and CTD 121 Introduction to Interior Design, which is a key prerequisite for advanced studio courses. As students progress, they take specialized courses including CTD 221 Materials for Design, CTD 225 Residential/Graphic Design, and CTD 226 Commercial Design, followed by technical and applied subjects such as CTD 250 Construction Procedures, CTD 262 Textiles, CTD 330 AutoCAD for Interior Design, and CTD 371 Lighting for Interiors. Advanced coursework includes CTD 325 Design for Special Populations, CTD 326 Design for Hospitality Interiors, CTD 422 Research and Theory, CTD 425 Advanced Historic Design, and CTD 426 Advanced Design, ensuring students develop both conceptual and practical expertise. Additional requirements include 6 credit hours of Art History, a core computer course (CTD 427 ACAD), and 6 credit hours of studio art electives such as portfolio development or textile design, allowing for some creative specialization. The program follows a strict course sequence, especially for studio classes like CTD 225 through CTD 426, which must be taken in order and are not offered in summer, making careful academic planning essential. Transfer students must complete a portfolio review and are encouraged to verify credits early, particularly ensuring completion of CTD 121 to avoid delays, as missing prerequisites can extend the program to at least three years. A minimum grade of C- is required to progress through studio courses, and students work closely with academic advisors to stay on track. Overall, the curriculum is structured to gradually build design knowledge, technical ability, and professional readiness through a sequenced and intensive learning experience.