Bachelor of Interior Architecture and Design (BIAD)

NA On Campus Bachelors Program

Utah State University

Program Overview

Utah State University’s Bachelor of Interior Architecture and Design (BIAD) prepares students to create functional, attractive, and sustainable interior environments by combining creative design thinking with technical knowledge of space planning, materials, construction, and building systems. The four-year program emphasizes professional preparation through studio-based learning, portfolio reviews, a required internship, and opportunities to explore sustainable design and pursue the LEED Green Associate credential.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build a foundation in interior design through Foundations in Interior Architecture and Design, which introduces design principles, interior spaces, and contemporary design theories. Seminar Series in Interior Architecture and Design introduces professional practice and related career pathways, while Rapid Visualization in Interior Architecture and Design helps students develop early visual communication skills. Students must complete a first-year portfolio review to progress into the program.

Year 2: Students develop technical and spatial planning skills through courses such as Architectural Graphics I, Space Planning and Human Factors, and Computer Aided Drafting and Design I. These subjects help students communicate design concepts, understand human needs in interior environments, and develop technical drawing skills. A second portfolio review is required to continue into the advanced program.

Year 3: Students apply their knowledge to more complex design challenges through Commercial Design Studio, Residential Design Studio, and Interior Materials and Construction. These courses develop the ability to plan different types of interior spaces, select appropriate materials, and understand construction considerations. Students also complete a required internship of at least six weeks during the summer, gaining practical experience in a professional setting.

Year 4: Students consolidate their skills through Senior Design Studio I, Senior Design Studio II, and Building Information Modeling in Interior Architecture and Design. The senior studios allow students to develop advanced design proposals, while building information modeling helps them create digital models of interior spaces using contemporary modeling software. Students also explore professional practice and prepare to transition into employment or further study.

Focus Areas

Interior space planning, residential design, commercial design, architectural graphics, computer-aided drafting, building information modeling, interior materials and construction, environmental design, sustainable design, professional practice.

Learning Outcomes

Develop creative and technical interior design skills, plan functional and human-centered spaces, communicate design concepts through drawings and digital models, evaluate materials and construction methods, understand environmental and building systems, apply professional practices, and prepare design solutions for real-world settings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Accreditation: Utah State University states that its Interior Architecture and Design program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). The university also notes that graduates may pursue certification as commercial interior designers in Utah by meeting the applicable state requirements, including passing the NCIDQ Examination. Students should verify current certification requirements before graduation.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Program outcomes: Utah State University's published student achievement data reports that 100% of the 21 students who graduated in 2023 were employed in interior design or a related profession. The university also reported that 100% of the 22 students graduating in 2024 completed the degree in four years. These figures refer to the program's reported cohorts and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of future employment.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Utah State University emphasizes practical learning throughout its Interior Architecture and Design program, helping students connect design concepts with the technical demands of professional projects. Students develop their skills through specialized design studios, digital modeling, portfolio reviews, and a required professional internship. The department also brings internationally recognized designers and architects to campus and provides opportunities for national and international study focused on design destinations and historical sites. Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Design studios: Commercial Design Studio, Residential Design Studio, and Senior Design Studio I and II provide opportunities to develop design proposals for different interior environments.
Digital design tools: Computer Aided Drafting and Design I and II introduce technical drafting and digital design methods. Building Information Modeling in Interior Architecture and Design enables students to model interior spaces using contemporary modeling software.
Technical drawing and visualization: Architectural Graphics I and II and Rapid Visualization in Interior Architecture and Design help students communicate spatial concepts and design ideas.
Materials and construction: Interior Materials and Construction introduces material selection and construction considerations relevant to interior projects.
Professional internship: Students must complete a minimum six-week internship during the summer of their third year, gaining practical experience in businesses or community agencies.
Portfolio reviews: Students complete reviews after their first and second years to demonstrate their progress and qualify for advancement through the competitive program.
Industry seminars: The Seminar Series in Interior Architecture and Design introduces professional career pathways, professional societies, and industry perspectives through invited speakers.
Design travel opportunities: The university offers national and international study opportunities involving significant design venues and historical sites.
Professional association involvement: Students can engage with organizations such as the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Sustainable design preparation: Students have the opportunity to pursue the LEED Green Associate examination, supporting their understanding of environmentally responsible building and design practices.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Utah State University's Bachelor of Interior Architecture and Design are prepared to pursue careers in residential, commercial, and other interior design environments. The program combines creative problem-solving, technical drafting, building systems, material knowledge, and practical industry experience to help students develop a professional portfolio and prepare for employment. Depending on their interests and experience, graduates may pursue roles such as:

Interior Designer: Develop interior concepts, select materials and furnishings, and plan functional spaces for residential or commercial clients.
Commercial Interior Designer: Work on offices, hospitality venues, retail environments, and other commercial interiors.
Space Planning Consultant: Develop layouts that consider usability, circulation, human needs, and the efficient use of space.
Interior Design Project Coordinator: Assist with project documentation, material specifications, design communication, and coordination among project stakeholders.

Career Development and Employment Support

Career services: Utah State University's career resources can help students with career planning, résumé preparation, job searches, and connections with potential employers.
Internship experience: The required third-year internship provides an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a professional environment and begin building industry contacts.
Employment outcomes: The university reported that 100% of the 21 graduates in the 2023 cohort were employed in interior design or a related profession. The published figure is specific to that cohort and does not guarantee the same outcome for future graduates.
Sustainable design credentials: Students have the opportunity to take the LEED Green Associate examination. The university reported that 86% of the 2023 graduating cohort passed the examination before graduation.
Industry engagement: The program encourages involvement with ASID, IIDA, and USGBC, helping students become familiar with professional communities and developments in interior design and sustainability.
Professional accreditation: CIDA accreditation provides an important foundation for students preparing for professional interior design careers. Graduates seeking Utah commercial interior designer certification must meet the applicable state requirements, including the NCIDQ Examination.
Salary expectations: A current, program-specific graduate salary figure was not verified. Earnings vary by location, employer, experience, and specialization, so students should compare current salary information for their intended career market.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can consider postgraduate study in interior architecture, interior design, architecture, or related built-environment disciplines, depending on the admission requirements of the institution and the intended specialization. Utah State University also offers graduate-level study in Interior Architecture and Design, providing a potential pathway for students interested in advanced design theory, research, building information modeling, or facilities planning and management. Students considering a graduate architecture degree should check individual program prerequisites, portfolio requirements, and whether additional architectural coursework is necessary.