The CIDA accredited four-year curriculum in interior design offers the professional level of education for those who intend to pursue a career in the profession or a related field.

Students receive a comprehensive, interdisciplinary education in preparation for design and administrative positions in the fields of residential, commercial, and contract design.  The successful degree candidate is qualified to practice professionally as a member of an interior design/space planning firm, for architecture/engineering firms as the interior designer or interior design team member; or as a facilities planning consultant, independently or within the structure of corporations, institutions, or governmental agencies.  Employment opportunities also exist within the areas of contract sales.

The degree meets the education requirements for title registration in interior design in the State of Illinois as overseen by the Department of Professional Regulation.

The professional interior designer is qualified by education, experience, and examination to enhance the function and quality of interior spaces for the purpose of improving the quality of life, increasing productivity, and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

All faculty have appropriate education and professional experience backgrounds to teach in their assigned areas.

All courses are taught by professors.  Graduate assistants are used only in support roles.  Studio courses at the first-year level may have as many as 25 students in each section, while studio courses at the third- and fourth-year levels will generally have a range of 10 to 15 students in each section.

When you successfully complete the program, you will be qualified to enter the mainstream of interior design or an allied field.

You will find that the education you receive provides the base for a wide range of career opportunities.  Interior design, contract sales, and facility management are but a few of the opportunities.

The program facilities include dedicated studios, resource library exhibition area, model and furniture shop, computer graphics lab and a jury room.

Dedicated studios located in Quigley Hall are provided for all sophomores, juniors and seniors in the program.  Students are issued 24-hour building passes and a studio key.  The large open space studios encourage student interaction and provide informal jury presentation space.  Quigley Hall is equipped with wireless internet access.

The program’s resource library/exhibition area is located in Quigley Hall.  The resource library supplements Morris Library, which is the main campus library.  The resource library contains a collection of reference books, manufacturers’ catalogs, magazines and material samples.  It also contains computer stations that provide access to the internet, inter-library searches and design-related data warehouses.  The exhibition area displays current student work.

The program’s computer graphics lab is a modern well-equipped facility.  It provides access to an array of peripheral equipment that includes printers, scanners and plotters.  Our software subscription provides access to the latest releases of a full range of profession-related software applications.

The program’s model and furniture shop is located in the Blue Barracks, which is a short distance from Quigley Hall.  This facility is equipped with a wide variety of power and hand tools.

The 10th and 11th floors of Mae Smith residence hall have been reserved as Architecture/ Interior Design  Emphasis Floors.

Architecture and Interior Design majors can take advantage of this unique opportunity that encourages student interaction and provides a living and studying environment focused on similar interests and study habits.  Students on these floors have access to common study areas, a limited number of drafting tables, and a small reference library.  A free tutorial service is available on these floors for those students needing additional assistance.  Students should consider taking advantage of these unique residence facilities.

While attending SIUC, students also have the opportunity to be members of profession-related student organizations.

Currently the student organizations include the American Society of Interior Designers, Illuminating Engineers Society, and the Construction Specifications Institute.  These organizations provide students the opportunity to pursue leadership roles, develop contacts with the profession and take advantage of various activities which include field trips, guest speakers and workshops.

Students will have additional expenses and are required to have a laptop computer.

In addition to tuition and fees, expenses include books, expendable supplies and individual equipment.  Some field trips will be required and some will be optional.  A reasonable estimate of additional expenses is $500 to $1,000 per semester.

Each student will be required to have a laptop computer that meets program specifications by the start of the 200-level courses in the major.  The university currently has an agreement with Dell computers for educational discounts.  This agreement is managed locally by 710 Bookstore.  For several reasons, students are encouraged to wait until they have completed the 100-level courses in the major before incurring this expense.

Students are encouraged to take advantage of additional support services and activities which enhance the overall quality of education.

Additional support services include career services, disability support services, tutoring services for first-year students and mentoring programs.  Additional activities include the University Honors Program, travel/study programs, workshops, guest lectures, co-op and extern opportunities.