Interior Design Program

The UCA Department of Art and Design offer two degree options for Interior Design majors: a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts. The curriculum for the Interior Design degree is planned to prepare students to serve the interior design and architectural professions in areas of commercial and residential planning and merchandising. Coursework for Interior Design includes basic design, technical knowledge and skills, communication, history of the arts, and business practices. The program is accredited through the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), NationalAssociation of Art and Design (NASAD), and National Council for Preservation Education (NCPE). Interior Design students are given the opportunity to study in Florence, Italy with UCA Study Abroad.

See pictures of student involvement and links to student portfolios.

Program Checklists

Academic Maps

Supplies for IDSN

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Alumni News
ASID UCA Student Chapter

 


 Retention, Graduation, and Job Placement

Interior Design Student Achievement 2021 Data 

2021-Student Data

Retention & Attrition Rates 2021

  • 67% of the Interior Design majors enrolled during the Spring 2021 semester returned in the Fall, 2021, putting the attrition 33%.  

 

Job Placement – 2 Chart 

  • Of the 24 graduates surveyed, 16 responded.  Of the 16 respondents, 8 were employed full-time, 1 was in graduate school, and the remaining 7 were either not employed, employed part-time, or other.

Graduation Rates:

  • For 2021, 12 students entered their senior year in the interior design program.
  • Of the 12 students, 8% (1 student) completed the degree in three (3) years, 50% (6 students completed the degree in four (4) years, and 42% (5 students) completed the degree in five (5) years.

Interior Design Student Achievement 2021 Data

2021-Student Data

*Internal Interior Design Program Data after completion of 2021 Internships

Interior Design Student Achievement 2020 Data

  • 78% (14 out of 18 graduates) had found employment within four months of graduation.
  • 11% (2 out of the 18 graduates) have applied for graduate school.

  • For 2020, 18 students entered their senior year in the interior design program.
  • Of the 18 students, 22% (4 students) completed the degree in three (3) years, 67% (12 students) completed in four (4) years, and 11% (2 students) completed in five (5) years.

  • 97% of the Interior Design majors enrolled during the Spring 2020 semester returned in the Fall, 2020, putting the attrition at 3%.

Interior Design Student Achievement 2019 Data

Job Placement:

  • 76% (16 out of 21 graduates) had found employment within four months of graduation.
  • 4% (1 out of the 21 graduates) have applied for graduate school.

2019 Graduation Rates:

  • For 2019, 21 students entered their senior year in the interior design program.
  • Of the 21 students, 33% (7 students) completed the degree in three (3) years, 48% (10 students) completed in four (4) years, and 19% (4 students) completed in five (5) years.

Retention/Attrition:

  • 86% of the Interior Design majors enrolled during the Spring 2019 semester returned in the Fall, 2019, putting the attrition at 14%.

Mission Statement and Goals

The Interior Design Program at the University of Central Arkansas is dedicated to the development of knowledgeable, creative, and ethical professionals who perform effectively in a global community.
Goals:

      • Apply the basic foundation of human-centered design knowledge and skill sets required for entry-level interior designers in order to protect the health, safety, and well-being of those that will inhabit the built environment.
      • Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving design processes paramount to contemporary and multidisciplinary interior design practices.
      • Iterate ethics and integrity as crucial elements of professionalism.
      • Provide opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with design professionals and support community development.
      • Encourage personal and professional growth through diverse activities in research, internships, study abroad, and service learning

Accreditation and Memberships

Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA)

The Interior Design Program at the University of Central Arkansas is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).  Leading to both Bachelor of Sciences and Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design.
The interior design program leading to the bachelor of interior design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503.

The CIDA- accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The bachelor of interior design granted by the University of Central Arkansas meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about the NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: https://www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements.

National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)

The University of Central Arkansas is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

National Council for Preservation Education (NCPE)

NCPE SealThe UCA’s Interior Design Program has been selected for membership in the National Council for Preservation Education (NCPE). The NCPE has designated UCA’s BA and BS degrees in Interior Design as the only program in Arkansas to be accepted for membership in the prestigious NCPE association.


Current Student Resources

Study Abroad 
Makerspace Contact Information
Internship Application 
Internship Exit Form 


Scholarships

We have several scholarship opportunities for Interior Design Majors, see the video for student testimonial.

Georg Andersen Interior Design Scholarship:

For students majoring in Interior Design. Receipts of this scholarship are nominated by
individual art and design faculty members and selected by vote of the full-time faculty.

2022-2023 School Year Receipts:
Jo-Wen Ling
Lori Schmidt
Elizabeth Kremer
Emily Conklin

2021-2022 School Year Receipts:
Kylie Gilbert
Kionna Browning
Anastasia Santiago
Miah Millan


Design Scholars

Fall 2022
Anjali Goldie
Lori Schmidt

Spring 2022
Anjali Goldie
Colt Caldwell

Fall 2021
Annie Santiago
Jacob Long
Kaitlyn Smith

Spring 2021
Emily Flake
Sarai Pule


About the Interior Design Profession

The field of interior design is rapidly changing, and so are the requirements for designers.  At UCA we provide a diverse offering of courses and projects, which help students to find their “passion” in life.
The Council for Interior Design Qualification redefined Interior Design in 2019 as:

“Interior design encompasses the analysis, planning, design, documentation, and management of interior non-structural/non-seismic construction and alteration projects in compliance with applicable building design and construction, fire, life-safety, and energy codes, standards, regulations, and guidelines for the purpose of obtaining a building permit, as allowed by law. Qualified by means of education, experience, and examination, interior designers have a moral and ethical responsibility to protect consumers and occupants through the design of code-compliant, accessible, and inclusive interior environments that address well-being, while considering the complex physical, mental, and emotional needs of people.” (see full definition here)

More information:
Bureau of Labor Statistics
American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)
Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC)


Applying and Advising

To Apply to UCA

Undergraduate Admissions and Enrollment Services:  For Undergraduate Admission Information Click Here

Advising

Please schedule an appointment with our Interior Design advisors according to the first letter of your last name:  Dylan Richardson (A-L) or Jennifer Whitehead (M-Z + post bacc) before registering for classes. Make sure to check for holds on your account that prevent or delay registration.

Admission Requirements for IDSN:  check here

 


Interior Design Faculty

Program Director: Jennifer Whitehead, MS, ASID, IDEC, NCIDQ

Full-Time Faculty: 

Jordan Eastin, Allied ASID, IDEC
Toni Gocke Wyre, FASID, LEED AP, WELL AP, Associate AIA, NCIDQ, IDEC, AR Registered Designer 5269
Angela King, MS, Allied ASID, IDEC, EDAC

Part-Time Faculty: 

Danielle Barron, MFA, ASID, IDEC, NCIDQ
Natalie Biles, ASID, IIDA, NCIDQ, RID
Tracy L. Hunt, IIDA, TRID, NCIDQ, Allied AIA
Marley Jones, ASID, ASH
Susan Shaddox, Allied ASID
April Vance, Allied ASID

Employers

Please contact Jennifer Whitehead to request an interior design intern.


Interior Designers can specialize in numerous design fields included but not limited to:

Residential Designer
Commercial Designer- Entry Level
Drafting Designer
BIM Entry Level Technician
Entry-Level Interior Designer
Graphic/ Interior Designer
Space Planner
Furniture Designer
Kitchen and Bathroom Designer
Lighting Specialist
Retail Merchandiser
Store Designer
Design Consultant