COURSE CURRICULUM

The B.F.A. in Interior Design with a Pre-Architecture concentration at University of New Haven includes a comprehensive 72-credit major curriculum that blends creative interior design education with architectural, technical, and sustainability-focused preparation. Students begin with foundational artistic and design courses such as Visual Thinking, 3D Design, Digital Fabrication Art, Architectural Drawing, and Color Theory and Application, helping them develop creativity, spatial awareness, and visual communication skills. The curriculum then advances into professional interior design and architectural training through courses in AutoCAD Architecture, Revit Architecture, Construction Documents, Architectural Millwork and Detailing, and Building Systems for Interior Design, giving students practical experience with industry-standard technologies and technical processes used in architecture and interior design professions. A sequence of Interior Design Studios I through V forms the core of the program, allowing students to solve increasingly complex design problems involving residential, commercial, institutional, and public environments while integrating sustainability, accessibility, aesthetics, and human-centered design principles. Students also study Interior Materials and Specifications, Lighting Design and Specifications, Building Codes, and Professional Practices for Interior Designers, gaining an understanding of safety regulations, construction methods, professional ethics, and project management. The inclusion of CIVL 4403 Sustainable Urban Planning strengthens the architectural and environmental focus of the concentration by introducing urban sustainability, planning strategies, and responsible development practices. Historical and cultural understanding is supported through courses such as History of Architecture and Interior Design II, helping students analyze the evolution of design and architecture across time. The curriculum culminates with Portfolio Design and Production, where students create professional portfolios showcasing their technical abilities, creative thinking, and completed projects for employment or graduate school applications. Experiential learning opportunities are available through internships in interior design and allied fields or independent study projects, enabling students to gain real-world professional exposure and specialized experience. With additional free electives, students can further personalize their education while preparing for careers in interior design, architectural support, sustainable design, or graduate-level architecture programs.