Interior Design Specialization

In the Interior Design specialization, you’ll take Environmental Design courses plus four specific classes focused on interior design.

In this program you will learn research, analysis, design and presentation. You’ll learn how to take your ideas and turn them into real plans and designs. This program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).

Program Highlights

At the End of this Program...At the end of this four-year program, you will earn a Bachelor of Design (BDes) degree. 

Admissions Requirements

• For Ontario high school students, a minimum overall average of 70%
• Portfolio
• Statement of Intent
• Official transcripts
• See detailed academic requirements here

Jobs You Can Get

Graduates of the program go on to:

• Interior design
• Study architecture, urban planning or environmental sciences in graduate school
• Urban design and planning

Internships & Experiential Learning

OCAD U offers so much more than co-ops because creative careers take many forms. Our career services help you build a professional community, valuable experience and skills you need for a meaningful career. Get access to:

• Short experiential learning placements from among hundreds of organizations
• Creative in-class projects with real-world industry partners
• Exclusive summer internships
• Gallery exhibitions of your work
• Freelance creative opportunities

Jobs After Graduation

What You'll Do in the Program

First Year

In first year, you’ll take intro classes in topics such as:

• Colour and 2D Design
• Environmental Design intro
• Materials and Methods
• Concept Drawing
• Digital Design

Second Year

In second year, you will study topics in more depth, such as:

• Personal Space
• Colour, Light and Environment
• Structure
• Presentation Drawing
• Social Space and Diversity

Third Year

Third year will feature classes in your interest and more advanced courses, such as:

• Residential and Inclusivity
• Introduction to Lighting
• Accessible Design
• Residential Systems and Materials
• Retail and Hospitality
• Research
• Commercial Systems and Materials

Fourth Year

In fourth year, you will focus on a major year-long interior design thesis project. You’ll take courses that interest you in social sciences, visual and critical studies or humanities, plus:

• Interior Design: Residential
• History and Theory of Interiors
• Professional Practice
• Interior Design: Office

You’ll showcase your work at GradEx - OCAD U’s Graduate Exhibition, the biggest free art and design exhibition in Toronto with more than 40,000 visitors.

CIDA Accreditation

The Interior Design Specialization in the Environmental Design Program leading to the Bachelor of Design Undergraduate Degree 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 Design Degree granted by OCAD University meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements.