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Interior Design Degree
Transforming space. Collaborative learning.
Interior designers improve the functional efficiency, safety, and appearance of interior space. They are familiar with building codes and accessibility standards, and they can read blueprints. They decorate, choosing colors, lighting, furniture and other items.
You’ll learn how to analyze space, understand its intended function, and create a plan using industry technology. You’ll practice presenting your plans to clients. You’ll know how to communicate with architects and contractors. These skills open an array of careers in the interior design industry.
The first two years of the Interior Design program and the Architectural Studies program share a common curriculum. This strong base increases your career versatility. Additionally, several of the upper-level technical courses share a common curriculum. This creates a collaborative and interdisciplinary atmosphere for both students and faculty.
We believe in hands-on learning. Our facilities include a fully-equipped wood shop, digital fabrication lab and large scale printy capability. You can also put what you've learned into practice and compete in national competitions. SIU students have placed in the Steelcase NEXT Design Competition National Top 10 in three of the past five years.
“What I love about this program are the people. Everybody is so helpful and supportive, we have all become a big, happy family. My professors have all been very encouraging and helpful through everything and have pushed me to become the designer that I am today.
—Caitlyn Cathcart, winner of the 2017 Steelcase NEXT Student Design Competition
Start fulfilling your requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree with our structured course sequencing that provides for gradual interactive development of required knowledge and skills.
Check out the Curricular Guide, which helps you outline what courses you would want to take each semester for this four-year degree. View all related undergraduate courses.
Contact Information
For more information about the Interior Design program or to request information, contact:
Laura Morthland, Program Director
410 Quigley Hall
875 S. Normal Avenue
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL 62901-4303
Phone: 618-453-3734
laurab@siu.edu
Kijoung Na, Academic Advisor
1121 Communication Building
1100 Lincoln Drive
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL 62901-4303
Phone: 618-453-1240
kijoung.na@siu.edu
Professional Advisory Board
The Advisory Board are professionals—typically alumni—successfully practicing in various design careers.
These volunteers serve the program by providing student evaluation, ongoing industry knowledge, and administrative guidance.
Accreditation
The interior design program at SIU, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree, is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350
Grand Rapids, MI, 49503.
www.accredit-id.org
Your personal design studio.
Course work within the Interior Design program focuses on studio-based learning. This provides knowledge of design and the design process in a work-lab setting. Studio courses at the first-year level may have as many as 25 to 30 students in each section. Upper-level studio courses generally have a range of 20 to 15 students.
You'll have your own studio space beginning your junior year! Our Studio Culture Policy ensures that the studios are productive work environments. This helps students cultivate the professional conduct expected in professional practice. All students must adhere to these policies.
Student Competitions
Students compete in the Steelcase NEXT Student Design Competition and have placed in the “Top 10” nationally four times since the competition began in 2012.
SIU senior Caitlyn Cathcart won the 2017 competition, against more than 800 students from over 65 collegiate programs. Her project featured a 12,000-square-foot medical office with an Employee Lifestyle and Education Zone for colleagues to gather and interact.
ID 491 students may choose to work with area organizations. Past projects include the SIU Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, the SIU Student Center, Sallie Logan Public Library in Murphysboro, Pregnancy Matters in Carbondale, and the SIU men’s basketball team.
Design Awards & Honors
2023: A. Seyer invited to participate in the NEOCON Interior Design Student Charrette (Chicago, Illinois); 3rd place team honors
2020: G. Whittington selected as a top ten honorable mention in the NEXT National Interior Design Student Competition hosted by the Steelcase Corporation
2018: C. Martino invited to participate in the NEOCON interior Design Student Charrette (Chicago, Illinois); 1st place team honors
2017: C. Cathcart selected as the winning entry for the NEXT National Interior Design Student Competition, Steelcase Corporation (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Join our Campus Living Learning Community
Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are residence hall areas set aside for students pursuing the same major or interest.
Interior Design students are eligible to live in the CAM (College of Arts and Media) LLC, alongside students studying creative fields such as Architectural Studies, Fashion Design & Merchandising, Fine Art, Industrial Design, Music, Theater, Journalism and more!
Learn more about our University Housing Living Learning Community»
Student Organizations
SIU fosters an environment that provides opportunities for student leadership. We encourage student membership in the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). Check out current student group activities on Instagram @siucinteriordesign.
Interior Design majors also join student affiliates of IIDA, as well as the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). These groups promote professional development, host guest speakers, visit design firms, and offer portfolio reviews. Students can pursue additional interests through campus RSOs.
