Interior Design ,BSD
Aesthetics, Environment, Interior Design, Interior Designer, Modeling, Residential Design, Space, design, materials
More than decoration, interior design is a professional practice that enhances human experiences across multiple scales and various market sectors. Work with communities, design for the common good, and become a transformative thinker who shapes environments where people thrive.
The Bachelor of Science in Design program in interior design at The Design School is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation and prepares transformative practitioners committed to enhancing human well-being and the common good. Interior designers create code-compliant, accessible and inclusive environments that address the complex physical, mental and emotional needs of individuals and communities --- including environments in residential and commercial spaces, health care facilities, hospitality settings and civic institutions.
As a professional practice, interior design requires expertise in spatial planning, building systems, lighting, materiality, and design history and theory. Students learn to navigate building codes, life-safety regulations, and universal design principles while developing creative problem-solving and communication skills grounded in integrity and social responsibility.
Working within The Design School, students collaborate with complementary disciplines and the larger community in a living laboratory that keeps decision-making agile and inclusive. This transdisciplinary approach provides a foundation for understanding integrated practice and designing environments that enable people to thrive.
- College/school:
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
- First required math course: MAT 170 - Precalculus
- Math
intensity: Moderate
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
An ASU student who would like to change majors to this program and would be new to this major must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and understand their GPA must be brought up to a 3.00 or higher within one semester to remain in good standing. An ASU student who is returning to this major must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Transform an original interior design concept into a project that demonstrates creative, technical, & communication skills.
- Perform professional-level tasks during their internship, including drafting, collaboration, and technical proficiency appropriate for design practice, as identified by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
- Distinguish the basic context and framework of history as it relates to 1) interior design and 2) furniture, decorative arts, and material culture, 3) architecture, and 4) art.
Interior design students have the chance to see many different design styles across cultures when studying abroad. With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, interior design students are able to tailor their experience to their interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships around the world, increasing their professional network.
Graduates find employment opportunities with interior design firms, architecture firms and corporations, and government entities of all sizes. Firms may specialize in interior design for residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, institutional and health care spaces. Career specialties include historic restoration, branding, sustainability, new product innovation, and incorporation of new technology.
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
2.0%
|
$101,480
|
|
|
-5.6%
|
$73,720
|
|
|
4.1%
|
$64,280
|
|
|
3.8%
|
$167,740
|
|
|
2.1%
|
$61,300
|
|
|
3.2%
|
$79,450
|
|
|
3.2%
|
$63,490
|
|
|
-6.5%
|
$68,510
|
|
|
2.3%
|
$66,280
|
ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.
The Design School
|
CDS 101
herbergeradmissions@asu.edu
480-965-4495
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.


