What you will study
Your bachelor’s in Interior Design from the University of Central Missouri will equip
you to produce creative work that draws on both historical and contemporary art and
design. With UCM’s Interior Design degree, you’ll gain the tools to research and understand
historical and contemporary designs and how to approach them in innovative ways for
your clients.
We believe schools of interior design have a responsibility to educate their students
in art history and context, as well as in the business practices of the field. Our
accredited BFA program takes that responsibility seriously.
More than half of the undergraduate program’s coursework is dedicated to specialized
topics in your major. You’ll gain deep experience in design practice and theory relevant
to today’s world. We impart a one-earth philosophy to our students: an awareness of
the need for environmental stewardship, sustainable design and global context.
You’ll have the opportunity to take a broad variety of courses including:
- Global Arts and Culture: Explore visual, cultural and aesthetic developments in Asian, African, Oceanic and
Islamic artistic traditions to bring a global context to the work you do with an interior
designing degree.
- Twentieth-Century Art and Architecture: Our accredited bachelor’s in Interior Design program emphasizes independent, creative
thinking. Learn to critically examine modern art and architecture through political,
cultural and artistic lenses.
- Interior Detailing and Furniture Design: By studying structure, style and materials, you will learn how to create sophisticated,
detailed designs for interior environments.
National Rankings
- The University of Central Missouri was named a Best Value College for Design and Applied
Arts, placing us in the Top 15%, in 2021 by College Factual.
Unique learning opportunities in interior design
Collaboration and hands-on learning are essential components of your bachelor’s degree
in Interior Design at the University of Central Missouri. Our reputation for excellence
in art and design education is founded on our student-centered teaching culture, commitment
to accessibility with low tuition fees and emphasis on experiential learning.
- Intern with leaders in the field: Put your UCM Interior Design degree into practice alongside experienced professionals.
The University of Central Missouri offers easy access to Kansas City, which has a
vibrant culture of art and design and is home to the region’s leading design firms.
- Build community, creatively: Enrich your interior designing degree by networking not only with faculty and your
fellow students but also with local organizations and communities. Join a pro-bono
design marathon to benefit a local nonprofit, get involved with Habitat for Humanity
or develop a new project with faculty support.
- Get recognition for your work: Your bachelor’s in Interior Design includes a portfolio review by visiting outside
professionals in your senior year. You can also submit work to our juried Citation
Student Show each spring and earn recognition and prizes.
- Travel and study internationally: Experience some of the most important art and design works in the world in person.
Join one of our annual two-week tours of European sites and museums with faculty and
fellow students, or spend a semester studying abroad. Put what you’re learning for
your interior designing degree in the context of global culture.
What can you do with a bachelor’s in Interior Design from UCM?
The Interior Design Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program at the University of Central
Missouri prepares undergraduate students to launch a career in interior design, pursue
advanced study and apply for membership in professional organizations.
Students with UCM’s Interior Design degree have gone on to work at many of the region’s
top firms in residential design, commercial interior design and sales. Our graduates
have been employed by BNIM Architecture, BRR Architecture, Burns & McDonnell, Hollis
+ Miller Architects, Roseman and Associates, KHL Design Studio, Black & Veatch, MLB
Furnishings and Décor, Edwin Pepper Interiors and many more.
Be prepared for real-world demands
UCM is recognized among schools of interior design for its excellence in preparing
students for professional and graduate work. Enter into jobs, client interactions
or a graduate-level degree in interior design confident in your workplace and communication
skills.
Financial assistance for your BFA degree in Interior Design
We believe that undergraduate students should be able to earn a respected degree in
Interior Design from our accredited program without financial hardship. The University
of Central Missouri is a leader among schools of interior design for low student debt.
In addition to scholarships available through the university, bachelor’s of Interior Design students can benefit from:
- Portfolio-based scholarships for incoming students
- Endowed scholarships for current students
- Cash prizes at the annual, juried Citation Student Show
You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Megan M.
BFA Interior Design ’20
Megan was drawn to a degree in Interior Design at the University of Central Missouri
because she liked the mix of technical and creative challenges. “[There are] guidelines
and maps to follow,” she says, “but you also get to throw your own spin, your own
unique twist on everything.”
Meet Students Like Megan
Create on Your Own Time
24/7 student access to studio space
Work on projects for your degree in Interior Design whenever inspiration strikes.
At UCM, we want our students to have access to their tools at all times, setting us
apart from many schools of interior design, where studio time is restricted.
Student-Centered Learning
Expert faculty dedicated to your education
Learn from experienced artists, educators and industry professionals who put your
needs first. Small classes and a one-on-one faculty advisor program mean you always
have someone in your court, committed to your success.
Meet Our Faculty
History of Excellence
150 years of art education
The University of Central Missouri has provided quality education in fine arts since
1871. We are Missouri’s longest accredited four-year public Art and Design program
and have offered a degree in Interior Design for more than 50 years.
Qualify for Top Jobs in Interior Design
Accredited program that delivers real-world experience
Our students have earned a reputation in the industry not only for well-rounded portfolios
but also for the ability to communicate clearly about their work and design concepts.
Compete at the highest level in the job market with your UCM degree in Interior Design.
Our program is accredited by both CIDA and NASAD. It combines academic excellence
with rich opportunities for internships and networking with industry professionals.
leftright