Curriculum
The following are the required courses for this major. Students who attend Orientation and meet with the Education Department can obtain personalized academic counseling to complete the program. Transfer credits, changes in curriculum, and other factors may affect the academic plan for individual students. The FIDM Education Department can provide additional information.
Prerequisite:
Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in Interior Design from FIDM, or an Associates degree in a related field from another accredited college or university. Additional requirements may apply.
One-on-one advisement is available to students from other FIDM Majors to consider eligibility for special admissions to this program. Contact the appropriate department chairperson.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A)
BDSN 3700
Digital Photographic Image
UNITS: 3
This course focuses on students ability to express their point of view creatively through photography. Students learn to see photographically by exploring the basic tools, techniques, and aesthetics of digital photography, with special attention to lighting, focus, color, contrast, formal effects, and intent.
GNST 2530
Principles of Kinesiology+
UNITS: 3
The emphasis of this course is to scientifically examine the musculoskeletal and physiological systems of the body in motion and at rest. The principles of biochemical, pulmonary, and circulatory systems related to movement and exercise and the contemporary issues of neuromuscular health are investigated.
GNST 2530L
Principles of Kinesiology Lab+
UNITS: 1
This lab includes field excursions, observation journals, and interviews with practitioners in the field of kinesiology, including physical therapists, sports medicine physicians, and professional trainers.
GNST 2570
Microeconomics+
UNITS: 3
Through the study of classical economic principles, students develop a framework for analyzing economic variables and their effects on individuals, business organizations, and economics. Using graphs and models, students also explore and apply fundamental economic concepts such as supply and demand, competition and monopoly, and profit maximization.
GNST 2630
Principles of Chemistry+
UNITS: 3
Students study the fundamental principles of chemistry and their applications. The relationships between atomic particles and their effect on bonding, chemical reactions, and matter are explored.
GNST 2870
Macroeconomics+
UNITS: 3
Students study the global economy and the ways in which changing economic conditions shape local, national, and international policy decisions. They apply classical and contemporary economic theory to achieve an understanding of past and current world events in light of the many economic variables that exist. Prerequisite: GNST 2570
GNST 3050
Writing for Business Professionals+
UNITS: 3
This course explores the principles and strategies of effective written professional communication in the context of the global workplace, current and emerging technologies, and contemporary issues. Students apply sound communication, analysis, and research techniques to the composition of a professional bio, memos, formal reports, and other forms of business communication. The connection between skillful communication, critical thinking, and decision-making is also stressed.
GNST 3150
Research on Topics of Design History++
UNITS: 3
An in-depth exploration into the major design movements of the 20th and 21st centuries focusing on the importance of research and writing on topics of the applied arts. Emphasis is placed on contextualizing design movements and the designers within their historical framework and the changes in society they have inspired. Conversations consider the effects of form and function, technology, identity, corporate branding, globalization, and visual communication on the development of design and how it has shaped our environment.
GNST 3400
Social Psychology+
UNITS: 3
A course that examines social psychology and how the behaviors, thoughts, and emotions of individuals are created and modified by the social and cultural conditions in which they live. Issues of social influence, cooperation and conflict, conformity, perception, change, and leadership are explored.
GNST 3450
Applied Mathematics++
UNITS: 3
Students gather, interpret, and evaluate data that has been used as the basis of factual claims supporting legislation, business, and policy decisions in healthcare reform, environmental regulation, the criminal justice system, and other critical issues in society. Research centers upon quantitative analysis employing mathematical and statistical methodology.
GNST 3800
Icons of Culture: The Context of Meaning
UNITS: 3
Students explore universal design concepts underlying the applied arts, the decorative arts, and architecture/architectural form. Using the language of aesthetic analysis, they relate formal elements of color and structure, pattern and motif, and icon and symbol to the origins, development, and diffusion of a wide range of designed objects from many cultures and historical periods. In the process, they gain insight into the durability, adaptability, and resonance of concepts and images that have achieved iconic status in the world of design.
INTD 3180
Psychology of Color & Application
UNITS: 3
This course examines attitudes toward the aesthetics of color throughout history, scientific findings about our perceptions of color, and the impact of color on our emotions, senses, sensibilities, and personal taste. Dominance and spatial experience through color, concordant and discordant schemes, and the visual sensations created from the context of color are explored. Through observation and experimentation, students analyze and evaluate the ways in which the formal attributes of color and color applications evoke human response.
INTD 3210
Conservation & Historic Preservation
UNITS: 3
This course focuses on the identification and responsible protection of historic and cultural resources. Course includes preservation planning and conservation techniques applicable to the interior design profession. There is an emphasis on the sensitivity necessary to preserve tangible cultural assets in multiple forms.
INTD 3380
Advanced Residential Design
UNITS: 3
A residential project, encompassing multiple housing types based on class parameters that identify the specific type of interior environment. The culminating presentation emphasizes state-of-the-art kitchen and bath solutions, and explores spatial design strategies, technologies, and components that meet California building codes.
INTD 3380L
Advanced Residential Design Lab
UNITS: 3
Utilizing technical drawing and presentation techniques, this course supports the design project developed in INTD 3380.
INTD 3410
Specifications & Materials
UNITS: 3
Exploration of the various elements of interior building materials as well as methods for identifying and applying materials, finishes, and furnishings for interior environments. Emphasis is placed on the documentation of and identification process for fabrication and installation.
INTD 3540A
Building Systems & Codes I
UNITS: 3
An overview of and analysis of residential building systems applicable to single- and multi-family dwellings, to identify proper best practices and efficient use of materials and finishes needed for the initial layout and reconfiguration of a space. Accessibility and code compliance, along with environmentally responsible methodologies and technologies is determined and/or applied.
INTD 3540B
Building Systems & Codes II
UNITS: 3
An overview of and analysis of commercial building systems applicable to interior office spaces, hospitality properties (hotels and restaurants) and other spaces inhabited for public use. Accessibility, egress, and code compliance, along with environmentally responsible building methodologies and technologies are determined and applied.
Prerequisite: INTD 3540A
INTD 3780
Advanced Commercial Design
UNITS: 3
A commercial project in which students conduct in-depth investigations of multiple classifications (office, retail, restaurant, institutional, and/or entertainment spaces). The projects parameters specify the type of occupancy utilization. In a culminating presentation, students demonstrate the relationship between parts, sequences, and finally the whole space to meet California building codes.
INTD 3780L
Advanced Commercial Design Lab
UNITS: 3
Utilizing technical drawing and presentation techniques, this course supports the design project developed in INTD 3780.
INTD 4120
Interior Product Design
UNITS: 3
The class looks at the development of ideas and processes, from preproduction to fabrication, utilizing 3-D prototyping, and exploring manufacturing methods and materials. Conceptual designs and the development of individual products and product collections for interiors are applied. Further discovery includes technical requirements, trend research, product feasibility, and product marketing.
INTD 4130
Surface Pattern Design
UNITS: 3
A studio course where creative vision is challenged to capitalize on the artistic expressions and principles of textile design; expanding the elements and principles of design to produce an end surface product for home furnishings, wall coverings, and any product related to interior design and decor. Emphasis is placed on technique, innovation, and globalism, along with the development and execution of strategies that take the end product from concept to market.
INTD 4510
Special Topics
UNITS: 3
This is a research based course, where an industry specialty is identified and examined; with periodic findings presented throughout. The area(s) researched in this course apply to the Senior Thesis, strengthening the overall learning outcome of the identified specialization.
INTD 4520
Construction Documents & Details
UNITS: 3
Preparation of construction sets of working drawings for both residential and commercial applications. Conventions employed by architects, contractors, and building trades including architectural details, cabinet and millwork, and schedules.
INTD 4530
Practicum
UNITS: 3
This is a supervised, industry internship, directly related to an identified area of study/specialization. In this practicum students have an opportunity to apply and develop industry related skills, and focus on career reflection and preparation. Placement approval required by the Department Chair.
INTD 4550A
Furniture Design I
UNITS: 3
This course follows the development of conceptual designs for custom residential seating, case goods, and tables into a physical product. The course includes historic research, the analysis and specification of materials, and necessary processes from concept to fabrication.
INTD 4550B
Furniture Design II
UNITS: 3
This course focuses on the identification and responsible protection of historic and cultural resources. Course includes preservation planning and conservation techniques applicable to the interior design profession. There is an emphasis on the sensitivity necessary to preserve tangible cultural assets in multiple forms.
INTD 4850
Portfolio
UNITS: 3
This course offers instructional support focused on the development and completion of an extensive portfolio, which represents the breadth and depth of a students work. The portfolio reflects the quality and individual strength of the completed work, while meeting industry standards.
INTD 4900
Senior Design Thesis
UNITS: 6
The thesis project is a culmination of all course work completed in the program. This comprehensive design assignment is of a specialty hospitality space, including but not limited to a retail or restaurant environment. The final presentation incorporates furnishings, fixtures, equipment, surfaces, and a product design component.
INTD
Elective
UNITS: 3
Elective: One Three-Unit Course
Total Units of Credit: 91
+ Available as an online (distance learning) course
++ Periodically offered as an online (distance learning) course
