Interior Design - B.A. Download to print

The Interior Design program focuses on human needs that can be fulfilled by the design of one's surroundings. This program teaches interior designers to identify, research and creatively solve problems relative to the function and quality of one's near environment. Competencies achieved in the program include fundamental design; design analysis; space planning and programming; and the design of all interior spaces with an understanding of health, safety and welfare of the public as they relate to all aspects of environmental design.  

The college offers full-semester programs abroad for qualified third-year Interior Design students. The study abroad program is housed in the 13th-century Palazzo dei Cerchi, located in the heart of historic Florence, Italy. The program is open to all students who have made satisfactory progress toward completion of their undergraduate program.

Interior designers work in a wide range of environments including restaurants, hotels, stores, offices, airports, hospitals and homes. Surveys indicate that a majority of interior designers practice in several areas, although they tend to favor one or two.

Practitioners often contribute to design education as part-time educators or participants in studio critiques. Some interior designers become full-time educators, helping to train the next generation.

Interior designers also work as sales and marketing professionals in related industries. For example, an interior designer might be the sales and marketing representative for a major carpet manufacturer, providing product information to interior designers and architects. (Source: Careers in Interior Design)

General Admissions for New Freshmen:
There are open admissions to this program, but early application is advised. Direct admission to the Interior Design program is based on a combination of high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Students are admitted to interior design based on a cumulative high school grade point average of at least 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) AND a minimum ACT composite score of 22 (1020 SAT combined critical reading and math score).

Students who do not qualify for admission are placed as AEDG majors until the required GPA is achieved.AED-Gs are assigned to freshman orientation classes with all College of Architecture and Environmental Design majors. These classes aid in understanding the broad range of career options within the environmental design professions. Students should take regular coursework in preparation to attempt entry into one of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design majors or may consider alternative degree program options. Students should meet with their advisors to aid in making decisions regarding their degree program and major. In order to move forward with a minimum loss of credit hours, it is strongly recommended that AED-G students, who were not accepted into a degree program, choose an alternate degree program within or outside the College prior to completing 45 credit hours.

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago. For more information on admissions, visit the admissions website for new freshmen.

For more information about admission criteria for transfer, transitioning and former students, please visit the admissions website.

A minimum 2.500 cumulative GPA is required for advancement to the second year.

Minimum 131 credit hours, including all required coursework. Minimum 39 upper-division credit hours. Minimum 2.500 major GPA, including interior design, art, architecture, marketing, visual communication design and technology courses. Minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA.
 

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate necessary research skills and appropriate writing skills.
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of design and systems integration through a thesis or capstone experience and participation in an array of professional practice and "field" related coursework.

Council for Interior Design Accreditation
146 Monroe Center N.W., Suite 1318
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-458-0400
www.accredit-id.org