The Profession
Interior designers combine knowledge, creativity, problem solving skills, and aesthetic vision to develop safe, functional, aesthetically pleasing environments that meet the needs of the client. They are trained to prepare drawings, documents, and specifications for interior spaces in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. Specialized knowledge includes programming, design analysis, space planning, interior construction, building codes, materials, furnishings, and equipment.
The Major
The Interior Design Program at Michigan State University offers a broad range of possibilities for an exciting future. Professional practices in residential, commercial, as well as specialized fields such as healthcare, retail, housing for the elderly, and sales are available for the interior design graduate. The professional organization American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has an active student chapter at Michigan State University, which hosts interesting and informative programs involving a variety of design professionals.
Our program is one of the longest continually accredited programs in the country. It boasts an outstanding resource room with an extensive collection of manufacturers' catalogs and library resources. During the junior and senior years, you may participate in field trips to places like Chicago's Merchandise Mart and historic restoration sites across the Midwest.
Students enter Interior Design Program as freshmen or transfer students. Special note for transfer students interested in the Interior Design Program: You are advised to apply for admission to MSU after one year at another institution because of the scheduling of required MSU courses. The number of students admitted as juniors to Interior Design Program is limited; admission is selective and based on your cumulative grade point average.
The Interior Design Program at Michigan State University has been continually accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA, formerly Foundation for Interior Design Education Research) since 1976.
This major provides academic preparation designed to enable the graduate to enter the profession of interior design. The program has been accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (formerly Foundation for Interior Design Education Research).
Emphasis is placed on learning the means of satisfying functional and aesthetic requirements appropriate for a variety of specific interior spatial uses. Consideration is given to the human being and the micro–environment in the total complex of environmental relationships. The combination of courses and experiences provides students an opportunity to develop knowledge, skills, and insights needed to solve design problems creatively and effectively.
Students meeting the University admissions requirements are enrolled as freshmen and sophomores in the Undergraduate University Division but may declare a major preference for Interior Design.