The first of its kind in Western Canada, the honours program gives interior design students a chance to advance their design knowledge by working on an additional research or creative project in their fourth year at KPU’s Wilson School of Design.
A new honours option for the bachelor of interior design program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) will open new doors and enrich academic experiences for students.
The first of its kind in Western Canada, the honours program gives interior design students a chance to advance their design knowledge by working on an additional research or creative project in their fourth year at KPU’s Wilson School of Design.
“This honours program will grow students’ depth of knowledge and expand their opportunities in graduate studies,” says program chair Lucie Gagné. “It also encourages collaboration with community and industry partners, and inspires exploration outside the program’s regular coursework.”
Gagné says the honours addition also distinguishes the program academically.
This will elevate not just our program but the profession by promoting the kind of academic inquiry that provides an additional way for students to further their skills. Having the honours will help tell the world that this is a discipline that has rigour.”
Lucie Gagné — Interior Design Faculty, Wilson School of Design
Through honours study, students are also able to build stronger networks with faculty and within the university, adds Gagné.
The bachelor of interior design is a zero-textbook cost program that offers students numerous scholarship opportunities and includes a design field school as a program requirement. The program has been recognized by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation since 2000, making it the first accredited program in B.C.
Graduates find work designing projects in hospitality, retail, corporate, institutional and residential sectors. Others build careers in set design, health care and architecture.
Interior design joins a growing list of KPU baccalaureate degrees with an honours option. Eleven such credentials are available, including honours majors in psychology, criminology, philosophy, journalism, mathematics, biology and health science.
Feature Photograph: Alana Kuroyama – Interior Design Graduate
Learn more about the Interior Design program here.
