Spatial Experience Design
School of Art and Design
Applications accepted for fall only. NYSED: 36131 CIP: 50.0499
The major in Spatial Experience Design prepares students for opportunities in spatial experience fields, including careers in exhibition design, retail design, product display, events, stage and screen, brand environments and themed places and spaces. An internship is required. Curriculum below is for the entering class of fall 2025.
| Semester 5 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MAJOR AREA | VP 302 - Overview of Spatial Experience Design | 2 |
| VP 303 - Space, Environment and Visualization | 4 | |
| VP 312 - Product Presentation - Small Scale | 2 | |
| VP 331 - Three-Dimensional Construction for Spatial Experience Design | 2 | |
| LIBERAL ARTS | choice - see American History G10 | 3 |
| choice - see History of Art and Civilization | 3 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| MAJOR AREA | VP 304 - Brand, Spatial Experience and Retail Design | 2 |
| VP 305 - Placemaking, Wayfinding and Environmental Graphics | 2 | |
| VP 306 - CAD for Spatial Experience | 2 | |
| VP 314 - Product Presentation - Large Scale | 2 | |
| RELATED AREA | CT 303 - Dynamic Branding | 2 |
| choice - see Related Area Elective | 1.5 | |
| LIBERAL ARTS | choice - see Other World Civilizations G9 | 3 |
| Semester 7 | ||
| MAJOR AREA | VP 400 - Portfolio and Careers in Spatial Experience Design | 2 |
| VP 411 - Interpretive Exhibition Design | 2 | |
| VP 441 - Interpretive Exhibition Graphics | 2 | |
| choice - see Major Area Elective | 1.5 | |
| RELATED AREA | choice - See Related Area Elective | 3 |
| LIBERAL ARTS | choice - see Requirements | 3 |
| choice - see Liberal Arts | 3 | |
| Semester 8 | ||
| MAJOR AREA | VP 412 - Senior Design Project | 4 |
| RELATED AREA | BE 404 - Business for Spatial Experience Design | 2 |
| IC 497 - Senior Internship: Career Planning | 3 | |
| choice - see Related Area Elective | 1.5-2 | |
| LIBERAL ARTS | choice - see Liberal Arts | 3 |
| TOTAL CREDIT REQUIREMENTS | ||
| MAJOR AREA | 29.5 | |
| RELATED AREA | 13-13.5 | |
| LIBERAL ARTS | 18 | |
| Total Credits: | 60.5-61 | |
Fall 2025 Requirements: See below.
Liberal Arts and Sciences Course Content Requirements
(24 AAS credits* + 18 BFA credits = 42 credits total)
- American History: 3 credits.
- CHOICE of any course that meets SUNY G10
- English: 9 credits.
- Foreign Language or Modern Languages and Cultures: 6 credits.
- CHOICE of any Foreign Language or MC courses (for which prerequisites have been met)
- History of Art: 12 credits.
- 3 credits CHOICE of one (1) HA course that meets General Education Other World Civilizations requirement (meets G9)
- 9 credits CHOICE of (3) additional courses (See the full list of Art/Design History courses under HA: History of Art and Civilization. (meets G7)*
- Mathematics: 3 credits.
- CHOICE of any MA that meets SUNY G2*
- Natural Science: 3 credits.
- CHOICE of any SC that meets SUNY G3*
- General Education: 3 credits. CHOICE of one additional SUNY General Education Area*:
- Social Sciences (G4)
- Western Civilization (G5)
- Arts (G6)
- Foreign Language (G8)
Liberal Arts Elective(s): 3 credits*
Select Liberal Arts courses (for which prerequisites have been met) from the following subject areas: AB (Arabic); CH (Chinese); EC (Economics); EN (English); FI (Film and Media Studies); FR (French); HA (History of Art); HE (Health Education) HE 201, HE 301; IT (Italian); JA (Japanese); HI (History); MA (Math); MC (Modern Languages and Cultures); MU (Music); PC (Political Science); PE (Physical Education and Dance) PE 215, PE 216, PE 217; PL (Philosophy); PO (Portuguese); PY (Psychology); SC (Science); SO (Sociology); SP (Spanish); and SS (Social Sciences). See Liberal Arts Courses.
Major Area Elective(s): 1.5 credits (minimum). CHOICE of DE 401, VP 401, VP 404, VP 431, VP 432, or VP 433
Related Area Elective(s): 4.5–6.5 credits total
Selective: 1.5–2 credits CHOOSE either ID 431 or CT 301 in semester seven or eight
AND
Elective: 4.5 credits. CHOICE of any elective course(s) in Art and Design for which student has met the prerequisite(s).
*Credits from AAS will apply as appropriate
FIT’s 2+2 degree structure requires an earned AAS or equivalent plus all the BS or BFA degree requirements. For more information, please see Requirements for Degree Completion.
Upon graduating from the Spatial Experience Design BFA program, students will be able to:
- Develop research techniques including trends analysis, brand review, interviews, and historical study.
- Master presentation skills utilizing reports, presentation boards, and multi-media.
- Manage the design process for a unique individual project from research, to concept, to final installation.
- Create physical and digital models of spaces, displays and details using a variety of materials and software tools.
- Develop techniques and methods for the placement and positioning of products and brands.
- Complete full fabrication documentation packages, including dimensioned drawings, and material specifications.
- Specify and research specialist and material support including lighting, props, and accessories in the development of fully realized displays and exhibitions.
- Create graphic approaches to environmental projects that include type, color, material, and methodology.