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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
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2023-2024

Interior Design

School of the Arts

 
Program description

The mission of the VCUarts Department of Interior Design is to provide an intellectually rigorous, studio-based experience grounded in the issues of interior architecture. Accredited since 1973, the department develops in its students an enduring passion and curiosity for their work, a determination to continually seek quality in their endeavors, an ability to reflect constructively upon their actions as individuals, and a responsibility for their lifelong education. The department focuses a student's professional activities while encouraging connections between these activities to a larger forum of ideas that enrich their culture and their environment.

Career opportunities

A degree in interior design can open up career opportunities in diverse areas of interior design as well as the potential to define one’s own career path. The interior design profession encompasses project types ranging from single-family residence to hospitals, from academic spaces to offices, hotels to restaurant, and retail spaces to religious facilities and other related design fields. Additionally, interior designers find opportunities in furniture and materials specification and sales, facilities and space planning, lighting design, production and set design, and visualization specialists.

Change of major requirements

Completion of the Art Foundation Program is a prerequisite for entry into all fine art and design departments.

Students are required to submit their application and required portfolio here.


Typical application deadlines are November 1 (for spring applicants) and April 1 (for fall applicants).

Bachelor-level job titles
  • Design Captain
  • Design Entrepreneur
  • Design Principal
  • Design Strategist
  • Design Thinking Consultant
  • Drafter
  • Interior Architect
  • Interior Designer
  • Project Manager
Graduate and professional level job titles
  • Design Professor
  • Interior Architect
  • Interior Designer
  • Project Designer
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
  • Quantitative Foundations requirement only
Science required
  • Natural Sciences requirement only
Foreign language requirements
  • No
Additional tuition/fees
  • Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
  • 2.5+ cumulative GPA
Transfer Maps

Contact information

Department name:
Department of Interior Design
Building/room location:
Pollak Building, Room 406
Phone:
(804) 828-1713
Email:
intdesign@vcu.edu
https://arts.vcu.edu/interiordesign/
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
Major map compass icon
Major map

Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
  • Map out a 4-year course plan in the DegreeWorks Student Educational Planner.
  • Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives.
  • Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center.
  • Come to Pollak Open Nite, attend IDES info sessions in AFO, visit the department, connect with current students and faculty, and ask to sit in on critiques in order to get to know Interior Design at VCUarts.
  • Consult with your advisor to register for ARTF sections taught by IDES faculty, including the ARTF 139 project class in Interior Design.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living learning community.
  • Consider applying to the Honors College.
  • Get involved, meet people, and develop your interests by joining one of VCU's 50 student clubs and organizations.
  • If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council.
  • Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community.
  • Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
  • Follow the Department of Interior Design on their social media channels @vcuarts.interiordesign on Facebook and @vcuartsinteriordesign on Instagram.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Check out the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and follow @vcuomsa.
  • Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs like the Peace Corps Prep Certificate.
  • Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU.
  • Review Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.
  • Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101.
  • Attend visiting artist lectures and related events every semester and connect with them after lectures and at exhibition openings and engage in a dialogue about their work.
  • Look to connect with local arts and design-based groups like Art180 to engage with the Richmond Community.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
  • Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
  • Develop a time management plan for your studies in conjunction with the Campus Learning Center.
  • Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes or minors, and strategies for success in your program.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
  • If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association.
  • Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere.
  • Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
  • Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
  • Attend Dimension events in the department.
  • Visit the Middle of Broad Studio (mOb studio) events held every first Friday.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
  • Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses.
  • Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty.
  • Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
  • Volunteer with campus or community groups engaged in social justice and equity.
  • Participate in VCU Arts Qatar Day and apply for the Qatar Leadership Exchange.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
  • Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
  • Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
  • Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
  • Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
  • Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
  • Apply for scholarships offered by IDES and by professional organizations like ASID, IIDA, NEWH and IFDA.
  • Connect and schedule an appointment with your VCUarts career advisor on Handshake.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
  • Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
  • Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
  • Meet with a coach in the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Begin considering potential internship locales and types of design practices and start developing research files for them.
  • Revise and update your resume and design portfolio.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
  • Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
  • Begin considering ideas for your senior thesis sequence.
  • Meet with mOb students and consider applying for the studio.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
  • Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
  • Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
  • Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
  • Apply for a VCUarts Dean's International Study Grant to fund international, creative exploration.
  • Strongly consider a summer study abroad program within IDES or external to it.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Get expert advice from VCU Alumni ranging from graduate school to your career simply by asking a question through Ask A Ram.
  • Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through InterviewStream or meeting with a career advisor.
  • Attend career and internship fairs and find other professional development events sponsored by Dimension, ASID, IIDA, NEWH, or IFDA.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. 
  • Begin applying for summer internships from winter break through spring break.
  • Develop a cohesive graphic identity for your complete internship application dossier, including resume, portfolio, business card, stationery, thank you notes, and other collateral materials.

Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Participate in the mOb studio by taking IDES 400 in the fall or IDES 491 in the spring.
  • Maximize your time in IDES 441 and IDES 442, Senior Design Seminar I and II, and develop and express your design ideas and skills by designing an independent thesis project with a VCUarts faculty member.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
  • Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
  • Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation.
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
  • Explore elective courses and workshops in design activism, accessibility, and social justice.
  • Study at VCU Qatar.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
  • Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
  • Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
  • Join professional organizations like ASID, IIDA, NEWH and IFDA by taking advantage of student rates.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services. 
  • Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
  • Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Invite your professional network and connections to view your work in the IDES BFA Senior Exhibition.
  • Refine the cohesive graphic identity of your design dossier, including resume, portfolio, business card, stationery, thank you notes, and other collateral materials, being sure to integrate your thesis.
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2023-2024

Interior Design

School of the Arts

Concentration(s):
No concentration
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore Year 1
  • Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
  • Map out a 4-year course plan in the DegreeWorks Student Educational Planner.
  • Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives.
  • Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center.
  • Come to Pollak Open Nite, attend IDES info sessions in AFO, visit the department, connect with current students and faculty, and ask to sit in on critiques in order to get to know Interior Design at VCUarts.
  • Consult with your advisor to register for ARTF sections taught by IDES faculty, including the ARTF 139 project class in Interior Design.
  • Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living learning community.
  • Consider applying to the Honors College.
  • Get involved, meet people, and develop your interests by joining one of VCU's 50 student clubs and organizations.
  • If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council.
  • Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community.
  • Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
  • Follow the Department of Interior Design on their social media channels @vcuarts.interiordesign on Facebook and @vcuartsinteriordesign on Instagram.
  • Check out the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and follow @vcuomsa.
  • Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs like the Peace Corps Prep Certificate.
  • Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU.
  • Review Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.
  • Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101.
  • Attend visiting artist lectures and related events every semester and connect with them after lectures and at exhibition openings and engage in a dialogue about their work.
  • Look to connect with local arts and design-based groups like Art180 to engage with the Richmond Community.
Experience Year 2
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
  • Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
  • Develop a time management plan for your studies in conjunction with the Campus Learning Center.
  • Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes or minors, and strategies for success in your program.
  • Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
  • If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association.
  • Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere.
  • Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
  • Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
  • Attend Dimension events in the department.
  • Visit the Middle of Broad Studio (mOb studio) events held every first Friday.
  • Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
  • Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses.
  • Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty.
  • Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
  • Volunteer with campus or community groups engaged in social justice and equity.
  • Participate in VCU Arts Qatar Day and apply for the Qatar Leadership Exchange.
  • Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
  • Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
  • Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
  • Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
  • Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
  • Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
  • Apply for scholarships offered by IDES and by professional organizations like ASID, IIDA, NEWH and IFDA.
  • Connect and schedule an appointment with your VCUarts career advisor on Handshake.
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
  • Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
  • Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
  • Meet with a coach in the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Begin considering potential internship locales and types of design practices and start developing research files for them.
  • Revise and update your resume and design portfolio.
Year 3
  • Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
  • Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
  • Begin considering ideas for your senior thesis sequence.
  • Meet with mOb students and consider applying for the studio.
  • Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
  • Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
  • Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
  • Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
  • Apply for a VCUarts Dean's International Study Grant to fund international, creative exploration.
  • Strongly consider a summer study abroad program within IDES or external to it.
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Get expert advice from VCU Alumni ranging from graduate school to your career simply by asking a question through Ask A Ram.
  • Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through InterviewStream or meeting with a career advisor.
  • Attend career and internship fairs and find other professional development events sponsored by Dimension, ASID, IIDA, NEWH, or IFDA.
  • Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. 
  • Begin applying for summer internships from winter break through spring break.
  • Develop a cohesive graphic identity for your complete internship application dossier, including resume, portfolio, business card, stationery, thank you notes, and other collateral materials.
Excel Year 4
  • Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Participate in the mOb studio by taking IDES 400 in the fall or IDES 491 in the spring.
  • Maximize your time in IDES 441 and IDES 442, Senior Design Seminar I and II, and develop and express your design ideas and skills by designing an independent thesis project with a VCUarts faculty member.
  • Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
  • Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
  • Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation.
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
  • Explore elective courses and workshops in design activism, accessibility, and social justice.
  • Study at VCU Qatar.
  • Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
  • Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
  • Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
  • Join professional organizations like ASID, IIDA, NEWH and IFDA by taking advantage of student rates.
  • Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services. 
  • Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
  • Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Invite your professional network and connections to view your work in the IDES BFA Senior Exhibition.
  • Refine the cohesive graphic identity of your design dossier, including resume, portfolio, business card, stationery, thank you notes, and other collateral materials, being sure to integrate your thesis.