Interior Design Brochure

THE INTERIOR DESIGN DISCIPLINE

Interior design is a distinct profession with specialized knowledge applied to the planning and design of interior environments that promote health, safety and welfare while supporting and enhancing the human experience. Founded upon design and human behavior theories and research, interior designers apply evidence-based methodologies to identify, analyze and synthesize information in generating holistic, technical, creative and contextually appropriate design solutions. More information about how interior designers contribute to the interior environment is available at cidq.org

THE PROGRAM

The Interior Design Program at Seminole State College has been a leader in Florida for more than 40 years. Seminole State is the first state school in Central Florida and the only public college in Florida to offer a fouryear bachelor’s degree in interior design.

The program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The interior design program leading to the Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) in Interior Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

Seminole State’s B.A.S. in Interior Design prepares students toward a path to licensure and a professional career in the field. Having obtained skills critical to the industry, graduates of this program will be able to work in a wide variety of design occupations that range from commercial design (corporate, healthcare, retail, hospitality, government facilities, education) to residential design. The program meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam).

The interior design program gave me the technical skills needed to succeed in the industry, and the basis of knowledge I needed to pass the NCIDQ exams. It also challenged my way of thinking about design, pushing me to think outside the box, and in turn, generating creative design solutions tailored to each project. The networking opportunities available through student chapters of professional organizations provided by the program were invaluable in making the connections I needed for employment.”

ALEXANDRA SERRALLES ’21 Interior Designer, DLR Group

WHY SEMINOLE STATE?

• Outstanding reputation: The program is nationally recognized and accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). It is also the only Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) in Interior Design in Central Florida.

• Industry-driven curriculum: The curriculum encompasses both technical and creative skills and encourages the students to explore a wide variety of design sectors. The degree culminates in a portfolio of work that will highlight the students technical and creative skills. An internship is required for students in the B.A.S. degree.

• Multiple pathways for admission: High-school graduates must apply for the Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Interior Design. Students who complete the A.S. degree may apply directly to the B.A.S. program. Students who have any completed a college degree (A.A. or higher) may apply directly to the B.A.S. program.

• Dedicated faculty: Full-time faculty have obtained master’s or doctoral degrees in interior design or interior architecture. They are also qualified by NCIDQ and are actively involved in the industry

• Advisory board support: The interior design advisory board provides feedback to the curriculum to ensure it meets current industry needs. The board also supports the students through class critiques, job shadows and field trips.

• Career advancement: The program offers an approved path to state licensure and to advanced degrees.

• Convenient day, evening, hybrid and online courses*

• Affordable tuition

*This program cannot be completed online.

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in the interior design program at Seminole State. As a part-time student, balancing family and work, I was able to complete the bachelor’s degree at my own pace with the encouragement of the amazing faculty. Their passion and expertise helped me hone the skills needed to have a career in commercial design.”

ELIZABETH MCGEE ’23

Interior Design Associate, Campbell & Van Dusen

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

• Projects focused on human-environmental needs so students can apply their knowledge to a variety of clients and design sectors.

• Internships with prominent design and architecture firms for career preparation

• Active student chapters of professional organizations such as International Interior Design Association (IIDA)

• Opportunities to attend professional conferences such as NEOCON

• Opportunities to partake in regional and national student competitions

• Interdisciplinary projects with related and non-related programs to replicate collaboration in the industry

• Off-campus learning experiences such as field trips to local firms, active construction sites, furniture dealerships, lighting manufacturers and more

• Opportunities for service-learning projects to give back to the community

Being a transfer student from India, I was thoroughly acclimatized with the building standards and methodologies that are used in the industry in the U.S. Through Seminole State’s Interior Design program, the College offers a profound coursework that made me competent by developing my design process and technical knowledge about various aspects of the field including codes, permitting, collaboration and materials.”

SURABHI MAHESHWARI ’17 Interior Designer, L2 Studios