Interior Design Major, B.A.; B.A.A.; B.S.
B.A. degree; B.S. degree; B.A.A. degree
The Interior Design Program involves the detailed design of interiors, drawing on diverse knowledge from various disciplines emphasizing an integrated approach that relates interior design to society and architecture. The Program is nationally accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and the National Association for Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Students are prepared to excel in a wide range of careers including commercial, residential, healthcare, and related areas. A sequence of creative design studios is supported by both theoretical and technical courses and students learn both traditional and digital visual presentation formats.
Admission Requirements, Retention & Termination Standards
- Students must complete IND 131, IND 138, IND 139, and IND 332WI; and ART 106, IND 134 or ART 231 with a signed ART minor, ART 119 or ART 202 prior to enrollment in IND 337.
- Students must take ART 285 prior to or with IND 439. (ART 285 fulfills UP Group I-A.)
- A portfolio of visual work including 2-d design, 3-d design and/or freehand drawing may be submitted at any time fall/spring semesters to determine whether ART 106, IND 134 or ART 231, ART 119 or ART 202 may be waived; see www.cmich.edu/interiordesign for the form.
- To apply for formal admission, students need to submit an Interior Design Program Application form plus: a) a transcript showing completion of all course requirements and b) a waiver of Art courses, as applicable, to Dr. Jeanneane Wood-Nartker, EHS 442, for review . Deadline for submission is Friday of the eighth week of the Fall or Spring semester. See www.cmich.edu/interiordesign for the form.
- Students will be notified of their admissions status by Interior Design faculty within two weeks of submission.
- Students must achieve a C or better in all courses required for program admission and all required courses to graduate with this major.
- Students must achieve a cumulative 2.7 program GPA or better to graduate with this major.
- In order to enroll in a major course, students must achieve a C or higher in the required prerequisite course(s).
- A limit of 12 credit hours of 100 and 200 level courses in Interior Design may be transferred to CMU. A visual review of student work is required for courses transferring as IND credit.
- It is recommended that interior design majors are recommended to purchase a laptop computer for use in interior design courses from IND 337 (Studio 2) to graduation. The most recent technical requirements can be found by clicking on the Computer Recommendations tab on the Interior Design program web page.
Program Requirements
Required Courses (57 hours)
| IND 131 | Interior Design Studio I: Introduction | 3(1-4) |
| IND 138 | Visual Communication for Interior Design | 3(2-2) |
| IND 139 | Interior Design Drafting | 3(2-2) |
| IND 155 | Introduction to Textiles | 3(2-2) |
| IND 238 | Design History and Precedent | 3(3-0) |
| IND 328 | Design History and Criticism | 3(3-0) |
| IND 332WI | Human Shelter and Environment | 3(3-0) |
| IND 334 | Computer-Aided Design for Interiors | 3(2-2) |
| IND 335 | Contract Documents | 3(2-2) |
| IND 336 | Materials and Components of Interior Design | 3(3-0) |
| IND 337 | Interior Design Studio II: Residential | 3(1-4) |
| IND 338 | Professional Preparation for Interior Design | 1(0-2) |
| IND 339WI | Interior Design Studio III: Special User Groups | 3(1-4) |
| IND 432 | Seminar in Interior Design | 3(3-0) |
| IND 433 | Professional Practices in Interior Design | 3(3-0) |
| IND 434 | Advanced CAD for Interiors | 3(2-2) |
| IND 436 | Lighting and Other Mechanical Systems | 3(2-2) |
| IND 437 | Interior Design Studio IV: Contract | 3(1-4) |
| IND 438 | Interior Design Internship | 2(Spec) |
| IND 439 | Interior Design Studio V: Senior Thesis | 3(1-4) |
Total: 57 Semester hours
Note: IND 332WI satisfies the University Program Group III-A requirement. IND 339 and IND 432 may be offered as Writing Intensive. Check Course Registration for sections offered as WI.
The Interior Design program has the right to request any student’s work for display, publication or permanent use. The department provides minimal supplies and equipment. Students are expected to purchase most of their personal project materials.
Suggested Minors (20-24 hours): Art, Art History, Business Administration, Child Development, Entrepreneurship, Event Management, Gerontology, History, Hospitality Services Administration, International Business and Sustainable Development, Journalism, Management, Marketing, Multimedia Design, Museum Studies, Professional Sales, Psychology, Real Estate: Development and Finance, Retailing, Sociology.