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Interior Design

Major Information

This major prepares students to research, plan, and design a variety of interior built environments that include private residences and a range of commercial interiors.  Designers create interior spaces that make people’s lives safer and more comfortable by understanding and applying regulatory requirements for safety and health, and by being sensitive to the principles of environmental sustainability.  Interior designers are able to analyze how people utilize space in their personal living environments as well as their public and work environments.  They work with clients to research individual and architectural requirements and preferences.  

The major at Georgia Southern University gives students the opportunity to learn with a hands-on approach.  Studio courses guide students through a variety of interior design scenarios including single family homes, hospitality environments (hotel, restaurant), large commercial office interiors, and healthcare facilities.  Support courses provide instruction in subjects including materials/finishes, textiles, professional practices, sustainability, and history as well as technical skills in leading industry-standard design and graphic software.  Students also learn outside of the classroom during site visits to locations in the region, as well as other special events for students, such as trips to prominent interior design firms in New York and Las Vegas.  Each student in the major is required to complete an approved internship as well.

General Information

Degree(s) Offered: Degree accredited by CIDA and NASAD 

  • Bachelor of Science in Interior Design

Sample Occupations

  • Architectural Drafter
  • Art Director
  • Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)
  • Civil Drafter
  • Contract Designer
  • Commercial & Industrial Designer
  • Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) Technician
  • Cost Estimator
  • Custom Designer
  • Design Consultant
  • Design Contractor
  • Environmental Designer
  • Exhibit Designer
  • Facility Planner
  • Floral Designer
  • Historic Preservationist
  • Interior Designer/ Decorator
  • Interior Photographer
  • LEED Specialist
  • Lighting Designer
  • Manufacturer’s Representative
  • Preservationist
  • Product Consultant/ Designer
  • Residential Consultant/ Designer
  • Set and Exhibit Designer
  • Sustainable Design Consultant 
  • Textile Designer

Sample Work Settings

  • Architecture Firms
  • Carpet Companies
  • Corporate Offices
  • Decorating Companies
  • Decorating Magazines
  • Department Stores
  • Engineering Firms
  • Fabric Companies
  • Freelance (Self Employment)
  • Furniture Companies
  • Historic Preservation Agencies
  • Hospitals
  • Interior Design Firms/Studios
  • Hotel Chains
  • Housing Developments
  • Museums
  • Photography Studios
  • Prisons
  • Property Management Firms
  • Realtor Companies
  • Restaurants
  • Retail/Interior Products
  • Schools
  • Television and Motion Picture Studios
  • Theatres
  • Utilities Facilities
  • Vacation Resorts

Sample Employers

  • Gulfstream Aerospace
  • Ferguson Enterprises
  • 24e Design Co
  • Circa Lighting
  • Founders Kitchen and Bath
  • Haverty’s Furniture
  • Randall-Paulson Architects
  • Farmers Home Furniture
  • Dalton Carpet One
  • Duralee Fabrics
  • Office Images
  • Target
  • Office Furniture Expo
  • CWC Office Furniture
  • Cobb County School District

Connecting Majors, Skills, and Occupations

  • View learning outcomes associated with your major in the Georgia Southern Academic Catalog:

Georgia Southern Academic Catalog

  • Explore the connection between occupations and skills in O*Net:

www.onetonline.org

  • Use Handshake to upload your résumé and explore internships and jobs. For more information:

www.georgiasouthern.edu/ocpd

Internet Resources

To explore values, interests, and skills:

FOCUS 2 bit.ly/focuscareer

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) – $15

Self Directed Search – $15

http://students.georgiasouthern.edu/career/s tudents/assessments/

To explore occupational outlooks and salaries:

National Compensation Survey

www.bls.gov/ncs/

National Association of College and Employers  (NACE) 

http://www.naceweb.org/salary resources/index.aspx 

Professional Organizations

International Interior Design Association

www.iida.org

The Hospitality Industry Network

www.newh.org

American Society of Interior Designers

www.asid.org

Organization for Black Designers 

www.obd.org

Georgia Southern Student Organizations

American Society of Interior Designers

Professional Tips

  • Students receive many hands on experiences in studio courses, but should begin researching early to secure a for-credit internship that meets the requirements for the major.
  • Seek part-time jobs/not-for-credit internships to gain experience and training in a variety of design specialties to discover the area that best suits you.

Résumé Tips

  • Degree is a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design (note accreditations by both CIDA and NASAD)
  • Interior Design résumés need to be creative and visual using a different format than the typical résumé style. 
  • Include completed design studio courses, class projects, and internships.
  • Interior Design résumés are limited to one page. 

Last updated: 6/27/2013