Curriculum
Drexel's undergraduate program in interior design is a four-year, first professional degree program that confers a Bachelor of Science degree. The program is a full-time, day program requiring a total of 187 credits in Drexel's quarter-based system. Students may opt to develop their individual interests in a second field of inquiry by declaring a minor.
Course Requirements and Plan of Studies
The following plans of study are linked to the Course Catalog and are for review purposes only. Several factors influence the sequencing of those courses including: transfer credits, AP credits, academic year entering the program and programmatic changes. Students should refer to their individualized DegreeWorks account and consult with their Academic Advisor to ensure they meet all degree requirements in a timely manner.
Academic Advisor
Westphal College Office of Academic Advising
Rob Handerhan, Academic Advisor for the Interior Design Program
Senior Projects in Interior Design
Senior project is a three quarter capstone taken in the senior year of the Bachelor of Science in Interior Design Program. Throughout the course of a year, students develop an independent interior design project from research, precedent studies, and programming through to complete design development. This experience allows the student to explore a unique area of interest and acquire the specific knowledge associated with that area of interest. The development of a project binder that includes the study of literature, case/precedent studies, program definition, analysis and site selection study comprises the first part of the projects. Students then work with a faculty advisor to develop a design solution that addresses the issues identified through the research and continue on to develop three-dimensional interior spaces, utilizing all of their accumulated design and planning skills.
Study Abroad
Students majoring in Interior Design have several options for study abroad including summer term study abroad opportunities in places like Prague and London. In addition to traditional full term study abroad, interiors students can also participate in shorter studies. Seven-week Design Studio and Furniture Design experiences are available through the Danish Institute of Study Abroad (DIS) where students are exposed to and work side-by-side with design and architecture students from all over the world.
The Department of Architecture, Design & Urbanism also offers “Fall Break In” programs where students complete an in-depth and accelerated elective course. Drexel professors guide these 2-3 week tours to Barcelona, Paris or Rome. These tours provide opportunities for students to travel with a small group of friends and colleagues while introducing them to the rich history, art and architecture of the most notable historic and contemporary sites in major cities across Europe.
Accelerated Degree (BS/MS) Opportunities
The Interior Design program has formalized three opportunities for accelerated degrees, allowing students to earn a BS in Interior Design degree in four years and complete a master’s degree in their fifth year. The BS Interior Design / MS Interior Architecture program offers a first-professional degree in interior design and a post-professional graduate degree for students looking to accelerate their career and/or specialize in an area of interior design. The BS Interior Design / MS Design Research program offers a first-professional degree in interior design and a chance to develop a transdisciplinary design approach with an intensive research process aimed at real-world problems. The BS Interior Design / MS Urban Strategy program offers a first-professional degree in interior design and a graduate degree that prepares students to meet urban planning and public policy challenges with expertise in design, engineering, business, policy and public health.
For more information on Senior Projects, Study Abroad and Accelerated Degree Opportunities, please see our Opportunities page.
Policies
The following are curriculum policies established by Drexel University:
For additional information, please speak with the Associate Program Director or the Westphal College Office of Academic Advising