Interior designers identify, research and creatively solve problems pertaining to the function and quality of interior environments. Their aim is to create interior spaces that make people’s lives more comfortable and safer. In addition to a strong technical and practical knowledge of the aspects of interior design, practitioners have analytical skills and a sense of how people use space in personal living environments or public and work environments.
How do I prepare for the Interior Design program at Georgia Southern University?
High school students interested in studying interior design at Georgia Southern should complete the college preparatory curriculum requirements for regular admission to the University. Prospective interior design majors should also take as many additional art and design units as possible. Once on campus, interested students should begin taking INDS requirements immediately.
What will I learn in the Interior Design program at Georgia Southern University?
In addition to the University core curriculum, interior design majors begin coursework with a foundation of Drawing, Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Design, and Design Appreciation. Beginning with an introduction to the principles and elements of design, students progress through a series of interior design studio courses which provide a progressive approach to the execution of residential and commercial design solutions on a variety of scales such as design philosophy and concept development, space planning and furnishings, culminating in a senior-level capstone course. Additional classes include an extensive history of interiors, interior materials; textiles; and lighting.
The business of interior design is explored through a professional practice class that covers portfolio development, business principles, specifications, communication, professional ethics and project management as well as a look at the global marketplace and international protocol that help prepare students for careers in the field. The Interior Design Internship, a supervised work-study program, serves as an educational bridge between the junior and senior levels. Other interior design required courses include Art History, Building Codes and AutoCAD.
During the course of study, students develop an understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its relationship to universal design as well as sensitivity to global environmental issues, and green or sustainable design. Studios could include projects such as residential, hospitality, healthcare, corporate and retail spaces. Opportunities for “real projects” and competitions are regularly incorporated into the program.
What program of study in Interior Design does Georgia Southern offer?
Bachelor of Science Degree, Interior Design Major (CIDA Accredited).
Why is the Interior Design program degree a Bachelor of Science?
The Interior Design program encompasses science, art, technology and business. Our program is in the School of Human Ecology in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. Schools that have professional training (police science, finance, nursing, interior design and so on) often reserve the BS degree for these subjects. The CIDA accreditation does not stipulate the specific type of degree. It requires that the course of study culminates in a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 30 semester hours in diverse college-level liberal arts and science courses. The discipline-specific interior design coursework must meet the educational standards stipulated in the accreditation guidelines.
Admissions
How many students do you accept each year?
We accept a maximum of 36 students every fall and spring semester (72 students/year).
How do I know when the orientation meeting will be?
Orientation meetings are held twice a year in late February and November. The meetings are generally scheduled one month before an application deadline (which is either in March or October). All pre-interior design majors will receive an email notification of the meeting dates/times. Students may also contact their Student Services Center academic advisor or program coordinator.
Where is the orientation meeting held?
Meetings are always held in the IAB Building. The building is next to IT on IT Drive.
What is the acceptance rate?
Students who meet the minimum requirements for application to the program will be accepted if there is space available but may be competitive if there is more students than spaces available. This process is in place because the program has a finite amount of space available in the drafting and design studio classrooms. Scenario: If 25 students apply to the program, and all 25 meet the general requirements for admission, they will typically all get in because there is space for 18 in each of two studio rooms. In the case where more than 18 students apply to the program, then the design faculty will look at student GPAs, letters of intent, as well as prior classroom performance to begin to reduce the pool down to 18.
If I don’t get accepted, can I still take interior design classes?
Yes, students can take any Area F course (see the interior design course curriculum sheet for the list).
There are also a few interior design courses which only have a pre-requisite of INDS 2430, Design Appreciation. Students who have completed Design Appreciation may take the following courses even before being formally accepted into the program:
INDS 3431 History of Interiors
INDS 3238 Textiles for Interiors
INDS 2436 Interior Materials & Systems
INDS 3530 Sustainable Methods and Materials for the Interior Environment (with POI)
TCM 3333 Building Codes
How many times can I apply?
You may apply as many times as you like.
If I don’t get accepted, do I have to submit a new application the next semester?
Yes, each time you apply you will always have to submit a new application online.
Do I have to be completely finished with the 3 required Area F courses before I apply?
No, you can apply the same semester you are enrolled in one of the 3 pre-requisite courses (INDS 2430, ART 1010, ART 1020 or ART 1030). If you are enrolled in the one of these courses when you apply, you will be required to submit a midterm verification card with your application. This gives the faculty an idea of your anticipated grade in the course(s) at midterm. A student can be accepted based on the grade he/she has at midterm; however, grades will be verified at the end of the semester and the student must make at least a C or better. If a student makes a D or F in one of those courses, acceptance will be revoked.
Do you have any applications in the summer?
If we have available spots that didn’t get filled from our spring applications, then summer applications will accepted. Applications will typically be due in mid-July ONLY if there are available spots. Students applying in the summer will start the program in the fall if accepted and there is room.
Can I still apply even if my GPA is less than 2.25?
Low GPAs will be provisionally accepted if there are available seats.
Study Abroad
Can I study abroad?
Yes, we encourage study abroad in any format. We have a few programs through the USG and on campus that are available. See our Global Outreach Coordinator for more information.I
Graduation
Is early graduation possible?
If you come in with transfer or dual enrollment credits it is possible to graduate early if you get admitted to the program and start the studio sequence in Fall of Sophomore year or earlier.
What are the student statistics related to graduates?
See the mgGS Technology Resources for access to the Virtual Lab. The INDS version is the GPU lab.
Yes, we encourage study abroad in any format. We have a few programs through the USG and on campus that are available. See our Global Outreach Coordinator for more information.
Is early graduation possible?
If you come in with transfer or dual enrollment credits it is possible to graduate early if you get admitted to the program and start the studio sequence in Fall of Sophomore year or earlier.
What are the student statistics related to graduates?
