New York School of Interior Design


Academic Credit Courses

Embark on your journey towards a degree in interior design by enrolling in courses on a non-matriculated basis. As a non-matriculated student at New York School of Interior Design, you can take up to 12 credits at the undergraduate level without having to apply or be accepted to a program. The credits you earn can also be applied to one of our undergraduate programs, so you can start working towards your degree right away. 2025F
2025S



114 - Introduction to Sustainability and the Built Environment

This survey course introduces students to the principles and concepts of sustainability and provides the context for design decisions for the 21st century. Students will develop an understanding of why current and future makers of the built environment must think differently than in the past and the reasons for both historical and current concerns about resource limitations. Class lectures will explore differing interpretations of the concept of sustainability and the broad range of factors contributing to a sustainable society, including, health, productivity, biomimicry, passive design strategy, material re-use and resource conservation. Guest lecturers will include experts in the field of sustainable softgoods, hardgoods, lighting, daylighting, environmental systems, LEED, and BIM.

Credits: 2
Course cost: $2,760.00
Registration fee applies.


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119 - Textiles for Interiors

This course is a survey of the history and science of fabrics through lectures on major decorative arts periods as well as textile design, fibers, methods of weaving, dyeing, flammability, finishes and trims. Properties, code requirements, and maintenance of contract and residential fabrics and their application are covered as well as estimating yardage. Also included in the course are lectures on the history of wallpaper and carpeting and their application to today's interiors.

Credits: 2
Course cost: $2,760.00
Registration fee applies.


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128 - Basic Drafting

Using both hand and computer-aided drawing methods, students are introduced to the tools, techniques, and principles of architectural drafting, graphic conventions, and lettering. Students will measure actual sites and study the use of dimensional orthographic and three-dimensional paraline drawing types.

Credits: 3
Course cost: $4,140.00
Registration fee applies.


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141 - Color for Interiors

This studio course concentrates on the study of color and color schemes for interiors. Compilation of the Munsell Color Charts is the basis for a series of projects which lead to the development of complete color schemes. Psychological and practical influences affecting the choice of color are studied. Using gouache paints, colors for walls, floor coverings, window treatments, upholstery, accessories, and accent areas are selected and applied to a variety of room settings.

Credits: 2
Course cost: $2,760.00
Registration fee applies.


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157 - Hand Drawing and Rendering I

In this course, sketching and rendering skills will be developed as tools for design and graphic communication. Students will draw freehand from observation, in situ, and master quick perspective sketching techniques, using various media.

Credits: 2
Course cost: $2,760.00
Registration fee applies.


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180 - Visual Concepts

Students are introduced to the language common to all visual activity. Through freehand drawing exercises and study models, the abstract elements of design - point, line, plane, shape, form, value, color and texture - are examined, along with the principles which unify these elements in a clear, visual and conceptual organization. Discussion and critique of assigned projects enable students to develop an understanding of the elements and principles of design composition.

Credits: 2
Course cost: $2,760.00
Registration fee applies.


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DE119 - Integrated Environments I: Textiles

Textiles are an integral element in the interior environment. Students will develop an understanding of the art and science of textiles through the examination of fiber content, dyeing techniques, and methods of weaving, and finishing. This knowledge of the physical characteristics and properties of textiles will inform students' knowledge of textile application, installation, and code compliance in both residential and contract interiors.

Credits: 2
Course cost: $2,770.00
Registration fee applies.
See schedule for other fees.


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DE125 - Design Fundamentals

This first studio will introduce students to the fundamental concepts, principles, and elements of design and design thinking. Through a series of two- and three-dimensional exercises, students will learn to analyze the designed world, synthesize their insights and knowledge, and to use the specific vocabulary of design as they create, develop, and present their work.

Credits: 2
Course cost: $2,770.00
Registration fee applies.
See schedule for other fees.


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DE128 - Graphic Communications I Basic Drafting

This course provides students with hands-on experience using both traditional and digital tools to explore and express design ideas. Key topics include hand sketching and an introduction to industry-standard software such as AutoCAD for 2D drafting, SketchUp for 3D modeling, and Adobe Photoshop for image editing. Students will create dimensioned, scaled plans, elevations, sections and other drawings and placing these within a standardized drawing template with title block and other information.

Credits: 3
Course cost: $4,150.00
Registration fee applies.
See schedule for other fees.


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DE141 - Color for Interiors

This studio course explores color for interiors with the goal of training students in color discernment, visualization, and application. Various color theories regarding the characteristics and relationships of colors based on pigment, dyes, and light will be explored. Students will use gouache paints to select colors for walls, floor coverings, window treatments, upholstery, accessories, and accent areas as they create color schemes for a variety of room settings.

Credits: 2
Course cost: $2,760.00
Registration fee applies.


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DH120 - Design History I 2000 BCE - 1350 CE

This course traces a history of design and decoration as seen in furniture, interiors, and architecture from the second millennium BCE through the thirteenth century CE. It considers design within the broader cultural, economic, and political contexts of each region, with special attention paid to early empires, spiritual traditions, and material technologies; beginning with Ancient Egypt and culminating with the rise of the Ottoman The onsite section of the course uses a blended format of online lectures, group discussions, and field trips to major collections. The online section combines video lectures with fully online discussions; students will be required to visit cultural sites and museums within their geographical region independently. A supplemental fee to cover academic-related expenses for this course such as, but not limited to, site and museum admissions, tours, guides, and/or local travel may be required in addition to tuition.

Credits: 2
Course cost: $2,770.00
Registration fee applies.
See schedule for other fees.


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FA157 - Hand Drawing and Rendering

In this course, hand drawing skills will be developed as tools for design and graphic communication through utilizing the traditional design tool of a sketchbook, journal, or notebook. Students will draw freehand from observation, in situ, and master quick perspective sketching techniques, using various media in a range of scales.

Credits: 2
Course cost: $2,760.00
Registration fee applies.


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LA114 - Introduction to Sustainability and the Built Environment

This survey course introduces students to the theories, principles, and concepts of sustainability and provides the context for design decisions in the 21st century. Students will develop an understanding of why current and future makers of the built environment must think differently than in the past and the reasons for concern about resource limitations, climate change, and environmental health.

Credits: 2
Course cost: $2,770.00
Registration fee applies.
See schedule for other fees.


CLICK TO REGISTER