Explore the art and science of great design
The average person spends up to 90 percent of their time indoors, so interior environments have the potential to make a big impact. Our surroundings can affect our thoughts, feelings, behavior, and productivity. It’s an interior designer’s job to consider how color and contrast work alongside acoustics and lighting to create ideal environments in which to live, relax, and work.
As a University of New Haven interior design major you will learn to create beautiful, functional spaces that meet the needs of both individual and business clients. The knowledge and skills you acquire in the program and the opportunities offered include:
- Successfully mastering the rules of proportion, scale, balance, contrast, color, texture, rhythm, and harmony
- Learning to manipulate architecture to create a more effective use of space
- Focusing on issues of sustainability and universal design
- Developing an understanding of environmental factors including acoustics, lighting, the use of space, and temperature control
- Becoming proficient at CAD (Computer-Aided Design), 3D modeling, rendering, and other computer skills and presentation techniques that help clients visualize ideas
- Gaining a solid foundation in architectural drawing, building construction, color theory, textile design, and the history of interior design
- The opportunity to study abroad in Italy
- Benefiting from the University’s working relationship with local interior design resource centers, design firms, and architects
- Having the option to choose a pre-architecture concentration that meets the requirements for graduate school in architecture
Recommended Computer Specifications
Accreditation
The University of New Haven interior design program leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design with a General or Pre-Architecture concentration is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, 206 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, 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 Fine Arts in Interior Design with a General or Pre-Architecture concentration granted by University of New Haven meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam).
The University of New Haven has achieved the National Association of Schools of Art
& Design (NASAD) accreditation. This mark of excellence designates the University's
B.A. in Art & Creative Technology and B.F.A. programs in Graphic and Digital Design,
and Interior Design as nationally accredited programs.
Founded in 1944, NASAD is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities with approximately 360 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for art and design and art/design-related disciplines, and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other art/design-related endeavors.
Our department is composed of three programs: Art & Creative Technology, Graphic & Digital Design, and Interior Design & Pre-Architecture. Our diversity allows for a holistic design approach that demands our graduates to embrace responsibility towards building a viable future.
Department WebpageCareer Opportunities with a Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design
$63K
Lighting or Kitchen & Bath Designers
3.2% Growth 2024-2034
$96K
Building Architectural Designers
3.9% Growth 2024-2034
$64K
Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Technician
4.1% Growth 2024-2034
Spotlights
Interior Design Major’s Honors Thesis Draws on Her Father’s Military Background
I learned to be more confident in my ability and to trust that I really do have a firm grasp on my future in this field.
Range of experiences leads to career in healthcare interior design.
Selected Courses and Programs
The University of New Haven offers a wide variety of in-depth courses that create a transformational educational experience for our students. To view the complete list of courses you'll take while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design & Pre-Architecture, check out the Academic Catalog:
Interior Design, B.F.A. - General Concentration
Learn from professors who are dedicated to your success.
Our faculty are leaders and innovators in their fields, bringing both deep professional experience and academic rigor to the classroom.
2026 Advisory Board to the Interior Design Program
Our advisory board is comprised of recent program graduates employed in interior design, internship sponsors, employers of graduates, and other interior design professional engaged with the program.
- Katherine Berger, FCA Architects, New Haven, CT (internship sponsor and employer of graduates)
- Rosalyn Cama, Cama Inc., New Haven, CT (internship sponsor and employer of graduates)
- Alexa Carbone, Sorrento Home, Guilford, CT (alumna)
- Paul DeFeis, Trade Mark Design & Build (internship sponsor and employer of graduates)
- Deb Gearty, Connect Design, LLC, Hartford, CT (IIDA NE)
- Gina Giannotta, Hacin, Boston, MA (alumna)
- Mary Marcello, PWD Studio, Charleston, SC (alumna)
- Patti McKeon, Antinozzi Associates, Bridgeport, CT (internship sponsor and employer of graduates)
- Cathy Murphy, USG Ceilings, Boston, MA (IIDA NE)
- Melissa Muszynski, MBM Design, Rocky Hill, CT (internship sponsor)
- Tessa Nestasia, Cama Inc., New Haven, CT (alumna)
- Peter Newman, Newman Architects, New Haven, CT (employer of graduates)
- Olivia Powers, Infinity Group, Hartford, CT (alumna)
Get an inside look at what differentiates the University of New Haven and how your
experiences as a student will prepare you for success.Charger Advantage
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Retention and Outcomes
91%
Of graduates employed in interior design or attending graduate school for architecture within six months of graduation (Class of 2025)
73%
Of students graduated in four years (Class of 2024)
74%
First-year students retained for second year (Class of 2028)
Nationally Recognized Center for Career Development
All University of New Haven students have access to the many resources available through the University’s Career Development Center, which has been named one of the best in the nation by The Princeton Review.
From career assessments, networking, and job shadowing to on-campus interviews and salary negotiation, the Career Development Center provides the skills and connections to identify a meaningful career and an opportunity to pursue your passion.
Learn More
Next Steps
Whether you're still in high school or are transferring from another college, we offer full- and part-time opportunities for undergraduates from inside the U.S. and abroad. The admission process can begin as early as the end of your high school junior year.
The Application Process WebsiteWe offer a comprehensive financial aid program, with students receiving assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, student loans, and part-time employment. Funds are available from federal and state governments, private sponsors, and from university resources. More than 95 percent of the University's full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance.
Financial Aid WebsiteWANT MORE INFO?
Find out more about why the University of New Haven is a great fit for you. Our admissions team will contact you with information personalized to your interests.
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Licensure and Certification Information
In the University’s BFA in Interior Design program students can start the path towards becoming a Certified Interior Designer. Specific education and work experience requirements exist to be eligible to sit for the NCIDQ Examination. Students that complete this are eligible to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination.
For the BFA Interior Design program:
- Our curriculum meets the educational requirements for Interior Design licensure in LA and NV.
- Our curriculum meets the educational requirements for registration as an Interior Designer in AL, AR, CA, CT, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KY, ME, MD, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OK, PR, TN, TX, UT, VA and WI.
- We have not yet made a determination if our curriculum meets the Interior Design licensure requirements in AS, GU, MP and VI.
The following states do not regulate Interior Design licensure: AK, AZ, CO, DE, HI, ID, KS, MA, MI, MT, NE, NH, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, VT, WA, WV and WY.
Please note that we are currently working through the states' requirements and will update this information as we make the determinations. Students who are interested in working in any of these states are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate state board to confirm that jurisdiction’s requirements.
Click the link below for contact information on State licensure boards.
Click here for more information on Licensure & Professional Certification Disclosures.