M.A. in Nutrition
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B.S. in Interior Design
Normal, Illinois
INTAKE: Jan, May & Aug
Program Overview
The B.S. in Interior Design program at Illinois State University provides students with a comprehensive education in the art and science of designing interior spaces. The program emphasizes creativity, technical skills, and a thorough understanding of design principles, preparing students for professional practice in the field of interior design.
CIDA-accredited: The program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), ensuring it meets rigorous standards of quality and excellence in interior design education. Accreditation signifies that graduates are well-prepared for entry-level interior design positions and eligible to pursue professional licensure in many states.
Curriculum: The curriculum integrates theory, practice, and hands-on experience to develop students' skills in spatial planning, materials selection, lighting design, environmental psychology, and sustainable design practices. Courses cover topics such as interior design history, furniture design, CAD (computer-aided design), building codes, and professional practices in interior design.
Research Focus: The program encourages research-driven design practices, where students explore innovative approaches to interior design through research projects, case studies, and design charrettes. They investigate emerging trends, user-centered design principles, and the impact of interior environments on human behavior and well-being.
Industry Engagement: Illinois State University fosters strong industry engagement through partnerships with design firms, manufacturers, and professional organizations. Students have opportunities to participate in internships, workshops, and design competitions that provide real-world experience and industry connections. These experiences enhance students' understanding of current industry practices and prepare them for entry into the competitive field of interior design.
Global Perspective: The curriculum includes a global perspective by examining international design trends, cultural influences on design aesthetics, and global sustainability practices. Students explore how diverse cultural perspectives shape interior environments and learn to apply universal design principles that accommodate various cultural preferences and user needs.
Location
Normal, Illinois
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 27010
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.
ISU offers several scholarships and financial aid options for international students to help them pursue their academic goals. These scholarships are based on academic achievements, leadership skills, and other criteria.
International Tuition Waiver: International students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and show promise for contributing to the ISU community may be eligible for tuition waivers. These waivers can significantly reduce the cost of tuition.
Redbird Academic Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to incoming undergraduate international students who have outstanding academic records. The scholarship amount varies depending on the student's academic achievements.
Redbird International Ambassador Scholarship: This scholarship recognizes outstanding leadership skills and contributions to the international community. Recipients of this scholarship serve as ambassadors for international students at ISU.
College-Specific Scholarships: Various colleges within ISU offer scholarships for international students pursuing specific academic programs. These scholarships are often based on academic performance and potential for success in the chosen field of study.
Study Abroad Scholarships: ISU encourages international students to engage in study abroad programs to gain global experiences. The university offers scholarships to support international students' participation in these programs.
International students interested in applying for scholarships at ISU should review the specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines for each scholarship.
Graduates of the B.S. in Interior Design program at Illinois State University are well-prepared for diverse career opportunities in the field of interior design, combining creativity, technical skills, and a deep understanding of design principles.
Interior Designer: Many graduates pursue careers as interior designers in architectural firms, interior design studios, or as self-employed professionals. They work closely with clients to create functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces for residential, commercial, hospitality, healthcare, and institutional settings. Interior designers manage projects from concept development and space planning to material selection, lighting design, and furniture specification.
Commercial Interior Designer: Some graduates specialize as commercial interior designers, focusing on designing spaces such as offices, retail stores, restaurants, and corporate environments. They collaborate with architects, contractors, and clients to optimize space efficiency, enhance brand identity, and create environments that support productivity and employee well-being.
Residential Designer: Others specialize in residential design, working with homeowners or developers to transform living spaces into comfortable and stylish environments. They customize designs based on clients' preferences, lifestyle needs, and budget considerations, incorporating elements such as color schemes, furniture layouts, and decorative accessories.
Healthcare Facility Designer: Graduates may specialize in healthcare facility design, working on projects such as hospitals, clinics, and wellness centers. They focus on creating environments that promote healing, patient comfort, and staff efficiency, adhering to healthcare regulations, infection control standards, and universal design principles.
Sustainable Design Consultant: With a growing emphasis on sustainability, some graduates work as sustainable design consultants. They integrate eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable practices into their designs to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable living.
Furniture Designer/Specifier: Others may specialize in furniture design or specification, collaborating with manufacturers and suppliers to select furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) that complement interior design concepts and meet functional requirements.
Further Education: Some graduates pursue advanced degrees in architecture, environmental design, or specialized areas of interior design. Advanced degrees can lead to leadership roles, specialized design practices, research opportunities, or teaching positions in academia.
