Course Descriptions

Admission Policy 

Admission to The University of Southern Mississippi as an interior design major does not ensure progression to the upper-division studio courses. Criteria for progression to the upper-division 300/400-level studio courses include a letter of application, specified GPA requirements, completion of specified courses, portfolio review, interview, successful completion of an objective exam, and recommendation by faculty. For more information, please review the The Interior Design Program Overview and Degree Plan.

ID Student Notebook Computer Requirements 

Designated courses require that students provide a notebook computer with specific requirements, including ID 210, 320, & 339. See requirements.

Interior Design Course Descriptions

+140. Interior Design I. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: MS Word/PP competency. An introduction to the field of interior design with emphasis on processes and resources of the designer

+210. Visual Literacy in Interior Design.*** 3 hrs. Studio/Lecture. Prerequisites: ID 140, 238 and passage of computer competency exam. An exploration of various communication methods in interior design through a variety of projects

232. Interior Materials and Installation Methods. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: ID 140 or *. A study of architectural materials for interiors with an emphasis on selection, cost, installation, construction supervision and code/standards requirements

+238. Visual Communications in Interior Design.*** 3 hrs. Studio/Lecture. An introduction to visual communication in interior design with emphasis on orthographic and free-hand drawing and visual design terminology

+240. Interior Design II.*** 3 hrs. Studio/Lecture. Prerequisites: ID 140, 238, ART 111 or *. A studio course for the exploration and application of design methodology to interior environments

+242. Portfolio Development. *** 2 hrs. Prerequisites: ID 140, 238 or *. An introduction to various portfolio techniques, documentation methods and career planning for the interior design profession

303. Interior Systems. 3 hrs. lecture. Prerequisites: ID 140, 232, 240, MAT 101, or *. (May be taken concurrently with ID 232, 238 and/or 240.) Design aspects of interior systems that affect human sensory response, behavior, productivity and well-being with an emphasis on lighting, acoustics, plumbing and HVAC

+311. Advanced Visual Literacy in Interior Design.*** 3 hrs. Studio/Lecture Prerequisite: ID 310 or permission of the instructor. An exploration of advanced graphic communication and modeling methods in interior design through a variety of projects

+320. Design Presentation Media.*** 3 hrs. Studio/Lecture Prerequisites: All requirements and acceptance for admission in 300/400 level interior design studio or **. The application of various media and techniques for the presentation of interior design concepts

325. History of Interior Furnishings and Decorative Arts. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: ID 140 or *. A study of the historical relationships between the decorative arts, period furniture and interior design as revealed in European, Oriental and American furniture styles and domestic interiors from antiquity through the 20th century

333. Textiles for Interiors. 3 hrs. A study of the production, properties and performance of textiles for interiors with emphasis on the selection of textiles for specific environmental applications

334. Surface Enrichment. 3 hrs. An exploration of the methods and processes of the surface enrichment of interior furnishings and textiles

337. Housing and House Furnishings. 3 hrs. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. A study of psychological, sociological, economic and aesthetic aspects of housing and house furnishings

+339. Interior Design III.*** 3 hrs. Studio/lecture. Prerequisites: ID 232, 303, all requirements and acceptance for admission in 300/400 level interior design studio, or **. The analysis and application of architectural detailing, building systems, standards and codes necessary for programming, problem-solving and the space planning of interior spaces. May be taken concurrently with ID 303.

+340. Residential Interior Design I.*** 3 hrs. Studio/lecture. Prerequisites: ID 232, 303, 320, 339. Advanced application in space planning, human factors, interiors for special needs and interior systems for residential interiors

+342. Residential Interior Design II.*** 3 hours. Studio/lecture. Prerequisites: ID 232, 303, 320, 325, 339, 340. Advanced problems in space planning, human factors, historical furnishings/interiors and ornamentation for residential interiors

438. Portfolio Presentation.*** 1 hr. Prerequisites: ID 242, 340 439. Discussion and analysis of principles, trends and practices relevant to portfolio design and presentation for entry level and internship positions in the interior design profession

+439. Contract Interior Design I.*** 3 hrs. Studio/lecture. Prerequisites: ID 232, 303, 320, 339. Advanced problems in commercial interiors with an emphasis on office design projects

+440. Contract Interior Design II.*** 3 hrs. Studio/lecture. Prerequisite: ID 232, 303, 320, 339, 439. Advanced problems in commercial interiors with an emphasis on hospitality, retail and medical or institutional design projects

441. Professional Practices and Procedures. 3 hrs. Prerequisite: ID 240 or *. Application of the aspects of business to the interior design profession

442. Interior Design Internship**. 4 hrs. Prerequisites: ID 490 with a grade of C or better in all courses completed under major courses of study in the Degree Plan and an overall 2.50 GPA for the last 60 hours of course work completed. A practicum for the interior design student in a working-training situation with a professional interior designer

478. Seminar in Interior Design. 1-3 hrs. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. An in-depth study of special topics to meet current needs. May be repeated for a total of no more than seven hours

490. Advanced Application of Design Theory.*** 3 hrs. Studio/lecture. Prerequisites: ID 342, 438, 440 (with a grade of “C” or better). Directed in-depth research and problem solving application of a current interior design issue or a design project within the community

492. Special Problems. 1-6 hrs. Prerequisite: 3.25 Overall GPA and 3.5 GPA in the major. Directed individual study. (Students undertaking a Seniors Honor Project will enroll in ID 492H

497. British Housing and Interiors*. 3-6 hrs. Studies abroad: a series of lectures and tours by English authorities on interior design topics

+ Studio Course
* Permission of Instructor required;
** Permission of ID Program Director required;
*** Specifically equipped personal laptop computer required. See specifications.