The Interior Architecture and Design program exemplifies the definition of the professional designer as qualified by education, experience, and examination to design interior environments that enhance the function and quality of life, increase productivity, and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Academic preparation is grounded in research-based problem solving and experiential education through studio instruction, service learning, and internships that encompass variety of cultural, environmental, and historic perspectives. The program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), recognizing the highest academic standards established by the profession. Students seeking to apply to the Interior Architecture and Design major at CSU first are admitted to CSU as Pre-Interior Architecture and Design. All students who wish to be considered for admission to Interior Architecture and Design major will be required to complete the Interior Design Scenario. Selective advancement into the major is based on the score received at the Interior Design Scenario determined by external reviewers who assess student competencies in writing, drawing, problem solving, and conceptual frameworks. A cohort of approximately 40 students is selected upon completion of the Interior Design Scenario. The Interior Design Scenario occurs annually in spring semester. See the Department of Design and Merchandising for more information regarding the Interior Design Scenario. In order to participate in the Interior Design Scenario students must have the following: GPA of 2.5 or higher. Completion of or current enrollment in INTD 110, INTD 129 and INTD 166 or equivalent. Equivalent courses from other institutions must be approved at least two weeks prior to the Interior Design Scenario by the Interior Design transfer advisor. The Design and Merchandising department Academic Success Coordinator will work with Pre-Interior Architecture and Design students and advise them on their current performance in relation to the possibility of their admission to Interior Architecture and Design. Faculty in the Interior Architecture and Design program value learning as a collaborative effort inviting diversity, design research as a basis for excellence in design practice, and new models for learning to respond to new ways of working. The program guides students toward becoming dedicated professional designers who have strong communication skills, are active as team players and creative problem solvers, and who make a positive impact in the practice of interior architecture and design. Students engage in research-based problem solving, providing a solid transition from education to practice in a global community. An internship in interior architecture / interior design practice is required for graduation. The Interior Architecture and Design graduate will learn the entirety of the design process, beginning with assessment of client needs through design programming, development of alternative design solutions, development of conceptual and theoretical frameworks, selection of furniture and finish materials, construction documentation, core compliance, and contract administration including project management and post-occupancy evaluation methodologies. In addition, students take course work in construction/ building systems and codes, business principles in interior architecture and design, computer-aided design and drafting, building information modeling, animation, multimedia, graphic visualization, history of architecture and interiors, and sustainable practices. The teaching facilities include design studios; display, resource, and critique spaces; and computer labs.

Application: Freshman/first year students can apply using the Common App OR the CSU Application. Official High School transcripts: Unofficial transcripts can be sent while high school or secondary school work is in progress. Faxed transcripts are not accepted. All decisions are provisional until a final, official transcript verifying graduation is received. Only transcripts sent directly from the school or stamped and sealed are considered official. If a record is not in English, a certified literal English translation must accompany the transcript. Personal Statement: A personal statement is required from all freshman/first year applicants. It’s your opportunity to help us understand what makes you unique. Refer to these writing prompts and instructions whether you’re applying through the Common App or the CSU Application. Short written responses to the Academic Explanation and Academic Gap prompts are optional and allow you to provide more context for us to understand your academic background. Recommendation: We require one counselor OR teacher recommendation. Additional recommendations are optional. If you’re not currently in school, we’ll accept recommendations from others outside of your family (e.g., supervisor, commanding officer) who can speak to your strengths. Using the CSU application? You’ll be prompted to list the name and email address of your recommender(s). We’ll email them an invitation and link to a secure site to submit your recommendation(s). Using the Common App? To maximize your flexibility, the counselor/teacher prompts are not flagged as required, and you can choose to list the counselor and/or teacher(s) who will recommend you. Common App will email them an invitation and instructions to submit either the Counselor Recommendation or the Teacher Evaluation through Common App. English Proficiency: Within your application, you’ll be prompted to indicate whether you are seeking direct or “clear” admission (English proficiency required) or conditional admission (no English proficiency required). If you wish to be considered for direct or clear admission, we’ll ask how you intend to demonstrate English proficiency. If you plan to submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores, we prefer results sent directly from the testing service. Alternatives to these tests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who do not present (sufficient) evidence of English proficiency can be considered for conditional admission and, if admitted, will be referred to our INTO CSU Academic English program. Freshman applicants to Business, Engineering, Computer Science and Biomedical Sciences must submit official SAT or ACT scores to be considered for direct admission to one of these more competitive majors. Without ACT or SAT, admissible applicants will be considered for an alternative major or an undeclared advising track.