Interior Design

Interior Design

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Bachelor of Science in Interior Design

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Gain a blend of critical design thinking and practical problem‑solving skills while learning how to enhance the ways people live, work, heal, learn and play by addressing spatial, functional and technical challenges.

02

Develop skills in space planning, color theory, materials and finishes, lighting, furniture selection, and visual presentation through studio courses and hands‑on projects.

03

Learn how to translate ideas into sketches, drawings, digital models and 3D visualizations using industry‑standard software.

04

Master technical aspects of interior design, including interior construction methods, building systems, codes and regulations, and sustainability. Learn to design spaces that are accessible, environmentally responsible and responsive to human behavior.

05

Build professional skills in presenting ideas, working with clients, managing projects and collaborating with industry professionals, preparing you for a wide range of career paths.

Core
Skills

  • Design thinking
  • Critical thinking
  • Communication
  • Creativity
  • Problem solving

Sample
Jobs

  • In-House Designer for Banks, Hospitals, Corporations, Universities
  • Corporate Designer
  • Senior Living or Multi-Family Designer
  • Lighting Designer
  • Residential Designer

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Hospitality and Entertainment
  • Healthcare
  • Commercial
  • Residential
  • Corporate and Educational

Interior Design

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Science in Interior Design

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

Exploration & Foundations

Academic Focus: Design fundamentals and visual communications

Key Courses

Introduction to Interior Design & Studio Environments

Design Fundamentals & Color Theory (Design I & Design II)

Drawing & Visual Communication

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Skills Class

General Education

Skills Gained

Creative thinking and design literacy

Basic drawing and sketching

Understanding of form, color and space

Student Actions

Meet with academic advisor

Join design clubs or student organizations

2nd Year

Core Skills & Technical Development

Academic Focus: Space planning, materials and digital tools

Key Courses

Commercial Space Planning

Rendering

Revit (BIM) Skills Class 

Universal Design

Digital Design

Careers & Portfolio Design

Materials & Textiles

History of Interiors

Skills Gained

Functional commercial space planning

Using digital tools 

Board Layout 

Careers in interior design

Student Actions

Learn industry-standard software

Join design clubs or student organizations

Prepare student portfolio for summer portfolio review

2nd Summer

Portfolio review

3rd Year

Application & Professional Practice

Academic Focus: Advanced studios and real-world applications

Key Courses

Commercial Design Studio

Building Codes & Environmental Systems (HVAC, Electrical, Acoustics)

Lighting Design

Sustainable/Green Design

Professional Practice & Ethics

Skills Gained

Client-centered design solutions

Code compliance and sustainability

Collaboration and project coordination

Material selection and lighting reflected ceiling plans

Student Actions

Complete an internship or field experience

Network with professionals

Refine portfolio and design identity

4th Year

Integration & Career Readiness

Academic Focus: Mastery, specialization and transition to career or graduate study

Key Courses

Advanced Design Studio (Capstone)

Specialized Studio (Hospitality, Healthcare, Retail, etc.)

Project Management

Business Practices for Designers

Furniture Design 

Portfolio Production 

Sustainability & LEED Design

Skills Gained

Independent project execution

Professional presentation and critique

Business and project management skills

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

Freehand sketch and perspective draw

Build physical scale models of interior spaces

Create floor plans, elevations and sections 

Design residential spaces from concept to final presentation

Work with material samples (fabrics, wood, tile, finishes)

Create material boards and finish schedules

2nd Year

Build physical scale models of interior spaces

Create floor plans, elevations and sections 

Design commercial spaces from concept to final presentation

Freehand sketch and perspective draw

Work with material samples (fabrics, wood, tile, finishes)

Create material boards and finish schedules

Use CAD and SketchUp software 

Develop design concepts based on a client brief or user needs

3rd Year

Create floor plans, elevations and sections 

Design commercial spaces from concept to final presentation

Work with material samples (fabrics, wood, tile, finishes)

Create material boards and finish schedules

Use CAD and BIM software (AutoCAD and Revit)

Experiment with lighting and rendering software

Produce construction drawings and documentation

Create 3D digital models and renderings using design software

Develop design concepts based on a client brief or user needs

4th Year

Create floor plans, elevations and sections 

Design commercial spaces from concept to final presentation

Work with material samples (fabrics, wood, tile, finishes)

Create material boards and finish schedules

Use CAD and BIM software (AutoCAD and Revit)

Experiment with lighting and rendering software

Produce construction drawings and documentation

Create 3D digital models and renderings using design software

Develop design concepts based on a client brief or user needs

Connect with Community

1st Year

Conduct site visits and user interviews within the community

Gather feedback from community members during design critiques

2nd Year

Conduct site visits and user interviews within the community

Gather feedback from community members during design critiques

Incorporate local history, culture and needs into design solutions

3rd Year

Conduct site visits and user interviews within the community

Gather feedback from community members during design critiques

Incorporate local history, culture and needs into design solutions

Present student design work at community events or exhibitions

4th Year

Conduct site visits and user interviews within the community

Gather feedback from community members during design critiques

Incorporate local history, culture and needs into design solutions

Present your design work at community events or exhibitions

Work with municipal agencies or community groups on public interior spaces

Work with real community clients to solve real design challenges

Explore the World

1st Year

Explore international interiors through digital site visits, documentaries and online archives

2nd Year

Explore international interiors through digital site visits, documentaries and online archives

2nd Summer

Participate in study abroad programs focused on architecture, interiors or design history

Explore how culture, climate and traditions influence interior spaces

3rd Year

Tour historic interiors, museums and cultural landmarks

Study interior design history across cultures and time periods

Explore how culture, climate and traditions influence interior spaces

Design projects inspired by global lifestyles and cultural practices

Visit furniture factories, design showrooms and material manufacturers

Touring notable buildings, hotels and public interiors

Explore international interiors through digital site visits, documentaries and online archives

3rd Summer

Participate in study abroad programs focused on architecture, interiors or design history

Participate in a 10-week internship with a domestic or international design firm 

4th Year

Tour historic interiors, museums and cultural landmarks

Study interior design history across cultures and time periods

Explore how culture, climate and traditions influence interior spaces

Design projects inspired by global lifestyles and cultural practices

Visit furniture factories, design showrooms and material manufacturers

Tour notable buildings, hotels and public interiors

Explore international interiors through digital site visits, documentaries and online archives

4th Summer

Participate in a 10-week internship with a domestic or international design firm 

Alumni
Success

Interior Design graduates from Mississippi State University are making waves on the national stage, earning coveted spots on the 30 Under 30 list of top interior designers. These young professionals are bringing fresh, innovative design perspectives to major cities across the United States—including New York, Dallas, Phoenix and Atlanta—where they are shaping spaces with creativity, purpose and cultural insight. Their recognition reflects not only individual talent and drive but also the strength of Mississippi State’s interior design department in preparing students to lead and excel in a competitive and ever-evolving industry.

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