The Bachelor of Interior Architecture and Design (BIAD) degree prepares students for professional practice as an interior architect and designer in the fields of commercial and residential design. The degree requires 124 semester credit hours and typically requires four years, or eight semesters, plus one summer session. The curriculum emphasizes "design" as a creative, problem-solving skill based on knowledge and understanding of materials and processes for creating environments that meet diverse human needs and desires. An important goal of the program is to foster a sense of personal and professional responsibility and service through design.

Important components of the program are a sophomore portfolio review and an internship. At the end of the third semester, students submit a portfolio that is reviewed by the faculty. If the portfolio is acceptable, the student may continue, without remediation or additional required work, to upper level studios. 

Participation in an internship experience during the summer before the fourth year is required for graduation. Students have been placed in interior design firms, architectural offices, Main Street programs, governmental agencies, hospitality and casino design firms, and a wide range of other allied industries. Geographically, students have completed internships in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Las Vegas, Washington, Denver, Dallas and other major cities in the United States, as well as international locations such as London and Edinburgh.

The Interior Architecture and Design program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). It is the oldest accredited interior design program in the state of Arkansas.

Special Opportunities

• To support the program's mission to expose students to a diversity of design experiences, overnight and day field trips are required.
• Students may participate in study abroad opportunities offered by the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design or other universities.
• The Interior Design Organization (IDO) encourages interaction with professionals in interior design and allied professions and development of leadership qualities.
• A professional advisory board and many local design practitioners support the program, serving as external critics/jurors and offering networking opportunities for students.

The Minor in Interior Design degree prepares students for professional practice as an interior designer in the fields of commercial and residential design. The degree requires 124 semester credit hours and typically requires four years, or eight semesters, plus one summer session. The curriculum emphasizes "design" as a creative, problem-solving skill based on knowledge and understanding of materials and processes for creating environments that meet diverse human needs and desires. An important goal of the program is to foster a sense of personal and professional responsibility and service through design.

Special Opportunities

• — The Interior Design Organization (IDO) encourages interaction with professionals in interior design and allied professions and development of leadership qualities.
• — A professional advisory board and many local design practitioners support the program, serving as external critics/jurors and offering networking opportunities for students.