Our mission is centered on preparing students to become successful innovators and designers, who improve the natural and social environment, advance environmental sustainability, and enhance the human experience through focused education and innovative learning and teaching methods. Staff in the Art and Design Department has a broad range of skills and expertise and their extensive experience, passion and commitment, supports and informs each of our courses.
Students who successfully complete a degree in Graphic Design will be able to:
21 cr. General University Requirements
12 cr. General Education Requirements,
09 cr. Elective Courses
93 cr. Mandatory requirements
18 cr. Core courses
60 cr. Major courses
15 cr. Major Elective Courses
The course provides excellent preparation for a career in design for domestic Interior Design, exhibitions and museums, retail, film, and television, and Interior Design spaces. Graduates should expect a rewarding career as Interior Design and Spatial designer, exhibition designer, production designer, furniture designer, product designer, textile designer.
Core Courses (18cr.)
Course code |
Course name |
Credits |
DRA201 |
Drawing & Illustration 1 |
3cr. |
ART203 |
Color Theories |
3cr. |
ART206 |
Photography |
3cr. |
GRA201 |
Fundamentals of Design 1 |
3cr. |
GRA202 |
Fundamentals of Design 2 |
3cr. |
ART204 |
History of Art |
3cr. |
Major Courses (60cr.)
Course code |
Course name |
Credits |
IND 210 |
Technical Drawing 1 for Interior Design |
3cr. |
IND 212 |
Technical Drawing 2 for Interior Design |
3cr. |
IND 213 |
Interior Design Studio 1 |
4cr. |
IND 214 |
Textiles for Interiors |
3cr. |
IND 216 |
Computer Application for Interior Design 1 |
3cr. |
IND 218 |
Computer Application for Interior Design 2 |
3cr. |
IND 220 |
Environmental Control Systems in Interior Design |
3cr. |
IND 310 |
Materials and Specifications |
3cr. |
IND 311 |
Lighting Strategies for Interior Design |
3cr. |
IND 312 |
Interior Design Studio 2 |
4cr. |
IND 314 |
Furniture Design & Technology |
3cr. |
IND 316 |
Computer Application for Interior Design 3 |
3cr. |
IND 317 |
History of Interior Design |
3cr. |
IND 410 |
Interior Design Studio 3 |
4cr. |
IND 411 |
Interior Design Studio 4 |
4cr. |
IND 414 |
Professional Practice |
3cr. |
IND 415 |
Internship in Interior Design |
2cr. |
IND 419 |
Interior Design Final Project 1 |
3cr. |
IND 420 |
Interior Design Final Project 2 |
3cr. |
Major Elective Courses (15cr.)
Course code |
Course name |
Credits |
IND 340 |
Landscape Design |
3cr. |
IND322 |
Critical Concepts for Visual Communication |
3cr. |
IND 321 |
Building Construction |
3cr. |
IND 225 |
Maquette |
3cr. |
ART201 |
Fine Arts |
3cr. |
IND 417 |
Quantity Survey for Interior Design |
3cr. |
GRA203 |
Intro to computer graphics |
3cr. |
IND 323 |
Scenography |
3cr. |
This course introduces students to the basic principles and elements used in two dimensional design solutions with emphasis on the use of line, shape, pattern, and rhythm. Course work will offer students the opportunity to develop an aesthetic vocabulary, abstract problem solving skills and the ability to evaluate the design process independently and critically.
Stimulates an interest in and furthers the understanding of the techniques and principles of photography. Introduces students to camera lenses, types of black and white film, proper film exposure, black and white film processing, and basic printmaking.
This course introduces students to the aesthetic, historical, perceptual, scientific, and psychological aspects of color and light and the implication of color principles and theories to interior design. Students will explore color through experimentation, observation, and evaluation. Contemporary design projects will be analyzed for their use of color theory.
It is a continuation of Fundamentals of Design 1 with an emphasis on applying three dimensional design principles on architectural settings. . Students develop concepts and express them volumetrically in three-dimensional projects and massing models. Design vocabulary and analytical skills learned in previous design courses will be applied and expanded.
In this course, students work on developing observation and the discovery of form from real sources. The course introduces students to the visual language of drawing through observation and rendering a realistic image. In addition to traditional drawing techniques, this course will cover figure drawing. This course introduces drawing strategies, concepts, and specialized illustration techniques used by designers and illustrators Various materials and techniques are used to develop the technical means of expression. Most studio hours will be dedicated to learning and exercising. Each student develops observational skills rooted in traditional drawing media while striving to develop critical thinking and research skills. This course is designed to foster an awareness of drawing as a basic organizer of thought, feelings, and image making.
This course will help students to become familiar with core examples Western and non-western material culture, art, design, and architecture emerging out of Europe, the Americas, from 19th century with Romantic movement to the 21st century with post-modernism and contemporary Art and Artists. Students will consider the crucial role of these images and objects in the formation of their respective historical and cultural context. Through watching images, reading, class discussions and writing assignments, students will explore the following questions: What is Art? Is the appearance, or form of an art, object its most important element? What role does religion, biography, psychology, philosophy, society and politics play in the production of material culture, art making, design, and perception?
This course introduces the tools, techniques, skills and information necessary for architectural drafting. Emphasis is on lettering, line weight, dimensioning systems, graphic standards, architectural symbols and the methods used to produce accurate drawings of a building and its site, including Multiview drawings (plans ,sections, elevations) in addition to the different projection systems (orthographic ,oblique ,perspective) and scale as well as measuring a space.
It is a continuation of Technical Drawing 1 with an emphasis on 3D views, one-point, two-point and three-point perspective in addition to sections perspectives study. This course gives information to the students about rapid and advanced visualization of interior sketching, which is useful for the designer as a tool in design development, as well as a mean of effectively communicating ideas to others in the right way with applied theories and perceptions.
This is the first studio in a sequential series of design courses in which students apply their skills, knowledge, and understanding of the design process to small-scale residential projects. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationship of design elements and principles, spatial organization and sequencing, human anthropometrics and conceptual problem solving in three-dimensional space based on the right function and circulation.
This course is an introduction to the field of interior design. Topics of functional and aesthetic elements for residential interiors are covered, including the identification of client needs, programming, standards, space planning, drawings, and presentations. Concept design, development, and articulation are emphasized and represented through the use of sketches, mechanical drawings, and perspectives tools.
This course introduces students to different textiles shedding light on; their processes of making, historical context and trend, mixing and matching accordingly, application of different textiles in different upholstery fields. The look and feel textiles add to interiors is studied in parallel to the technical and practical aspect they convey. Thus conceptual studies and broad definitions on different textiles and their practicality (economical wise, health wise, heavy duty…) are given same importance in this course as the right textile fit in the right design, as well as the technical part associated to the final upholstery execution. The Study includes characteristics, care, codes and applications.
This course is an introduction to computer-aided drafting using AutoCAD. Students will be taught to use CAD software effectively to create computer-generated floor plans, elevations and details that meet current industry standards. Also students will learn advanced software commands and the use of AutoCAD in preparing construction documents.
In this course, students will use and build on the computer skills learned in CAD 1 to create a complete set of construction documents including a site plan, a partition plan, various finish and equipment plans and schedules, a furniture plan, a reflected ceiling plan, and elevations, sections and details of partitions 3D visualization on CAD is introduced.
This course is an introduction to the theories and practices that encourage thoughtful planning of interior spaces within the context of environmental consciousness. Major considerations that will be addressed are land use, indoor air and light quality, energy efficiency and sustainable materials and resources.
This course is an introduction to the materials and methods used in the construction industry. In this course students will examine different materials, available resources, and methods of production, construction and installation (Shop Drawings) such as wood work, false ceiling... Through a study of current product applications, they will learn how to select, specify and apply appropriate materials and finishes on the basis of aesthetics, material cost, environmental impact and performance.
This course is an introduction to basic lighting design theory and the technical requirements related to residential and commercial lighting systems. Students will be given the opportunity to develop skill and knowledge in lighting design and the ability to create functional, code compliant, and aesthetically pleasing lighting solutions for various design projects.
This is the second studio in a sequential series of design courses. As a continuation to Studio 1 course students will be introduced to bigger scale residential projects such as small apartments or studios after learning to deal with the different rooms functions. In the other half of the semester they will move to planning small commercial facilities. Emphasis is on the design process using space planning concepts and methods, problem solving, and application of design theory specific to commercial environments. Students are introduced to evidence-based design theory.
The content of this course aims at providing the students with an in depth knowledge of the field of furniture design and the important interplay between user, space and product in a contemporary and future context. Focus of the course is specifically on furniture design as a general product, and also as an item which forms part of a space, particularly seating, which is among the hardest to conceive successfully, mixing between functionality and aesthetics.
Being divided between theory (slight historical backgrounds, particularly the modern era and mass production, technical knowhow, etc.) and practice (design), the class will enhance the student’s understanding of furniture design history and furniture making skills, through time and up until today’s advanced techniques.
This course introduces students to 3DMAX and Adobe Photoshop as highly creative tools for organizing digital images for use in various graphic presentation formats. This course gives students all requirements needed to master computer rendering to their drawings.
This course continues the survey of the historical styles of architecture, furniture, and interiors from the 19th century to the 20th century incorporating the major social, economic, political, and cultural factors.
This is the third studio in a sequential series of design courses. Students will elaborate their gained information and space analysis in bigger scale commercial projects, ones that may contain a mezzanine level to deal with. In addition, students shall work collaboratively to apply their knowledge and skills in the production of a comprehensive hospitality design project after being introduced to the new different functions and circulations essential for planning a well-structured project. Projects emphasize research, creative problem solving, effective communication and sustainability.
This is an advanced studio course that consists of two parts, first part is based on the design of a large-scale residential living/working environment such as a two-leveled villa. Students will be expected to analyze site and building conditions and the client's needs and project budget to determine a rationale for appropriating space function, furniture and circulation. In the second part of the course, students are expected to be ready and qualified to move through steps towards their final interior design project. A close research about their chosen concept, site, and technical information is the base that will move in parallel to their project throughout the two final semesters to help enlighten their path, this must end up in a well-structured report covering all the project’s technical, historical, and conceptual aspects. In parallel, students have to choose their senior project’s architectural drawings followed by a detailed research about site, concept, similar projects, problematic and objectives. They can then move to the design and functions diagram in addition to some further details revealing their basic concept design through plans, sections and sketches, the course is expected to end with a pin up evaluating all the above submitted data and technical drawings.
To become more self- reliant and enterprising in the job search, students investigates career opportunities, job responsibilities, and qualifications necessary to be competitive and promotable. Students build research tools that enable them to develop a plan of action, conduct informational interviews, practice interviewing skills, and produce a digitized professional resume.
This course is an introduction to the interior design profession through directed course work and practical work experience at participating design and architectural firms. Students will spend 6 weeks (120 hours) of practical work experience under the supervision of the Program Director and the host organization.
After dealing with different types of functions and services in previous projects throughout the Studio courses, students are expected to be ready and qualified to move through steps towards their final interior design project. A close research about their chosen concept, site, and technical information is the base that will move in parallel to their project throughout the two final semesters to help enlighten their path, this must end up in a well-structured report covering all the project’s technical, historical, and conceptual aspects. Students have to choose their senior project’s architectural drawings, concept, similar projects, problematic and objectives, have their approval and thus move to the design and functions diagram in addition to some further details revealing their basic concept design through plans, sections and sketches, the course is expected to end with a pin up evaluating all the above submitted data and technical drawings.
Students are expected to move forward in their senior projects from the conceptual and function diagram phase to the detailed drawings that include: furniture plans, ceiling plans, tiling plans, sections, elevations, 3d perspectives and models in addition to detailed execution drawings zones. They must work in parallel on the technical drawings that include the architectural, electrical, mechanical and HVAC functions in their projects, in addition to following up with their project report they started on the previous semester. Emphasis is placed on the student's ability to create a project that successfully demonstrates all aspects of the design process, as well as the skills and knowledge they have learned to this point in their studies. An aspect of the project solution is the use of appropriate methods and effective presentation techniques used to express the proposed design concept in detailed accuracy.
This course will provide students with the basic skills for graphical representation of the landscape, including the development of site plan, section, elevation and perspective views. The course will encourage the exploration of sustainable landscape solutions to minimize the negative impact on the environment.
This course is an introduction to the elements and methods of critical thinking and its application through discussion and writing. This course strengthens student’s capacity to reason clearly, critically and creatively, including the ability to analyze the arguments of others, to synthesize effective arguments of their own, and solve problems skillfully.
Develop an understanding of basic construction systems and how they relate to interior planning. Building codes, historic preservation, and handicapped restrictions are examined as well as environmental concerns and adaptive reuse. Technical knowledge of building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc.) and structure are analyzed also.
3D model making is an essential part of visualizing ideas in spatial and interior design and architecture. Students will be introduced to a variety of model-making techniques, materials, hand held tools and power tools. Participants will learn to create professional looking models that best communicate their design idea.
This is an artistic course. It enables student’s self-expression, empowers creativity and improves manual skills. Moreover it aims to encourage the expression of feelings through color, modeling and art forms. Beyond the concepts and skills essential to good design practice, the course will open a window towards self-expression and general design awareness and strength as a tool of communication.
This course offers students an opportunity to learn the basics of Building Information Modelling (BIM) using Revit Architecture; a leading computer program capable of creating and managing information about a building using 3-D, "real-time", modelling software. Using Revit Architecture, students will produce Building Information Models, which define the geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, and the quantities and properties of all the systems components that go into constructing the building.
This class is for students to get well versed in the use of art and design computer applications.
The components of digital design tools, vector and raster, are covered, culminating in the completion of a final project. The student will learn the fundamentals of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to explore the painting and drawing capabilities of each in an effort to learn about bitmapped and vector graphics, the foundation of all computer-related graphics.
It is an introduction to the methods, concepts and materials of designing for theatre sceneries and the ways in which space, time, light, sound, object, color and form may be woven together on theatre stage to impress and communicate with spectator. Also the methods of developing a design from script analysis to presentation of the completed design are studied throughout this course.