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Accreditation
The Interior Design program is continually responsive to the demands of the profession and its related fields. Our graduates practice professionally in a wide range of positions with interior and architecture firms, corporations, government agencies, and independently, so we maintain standards of qualification that allow Salukis to design successful paths wherever their career ambitions lead.
Institutions, Licensure & Qualification
The interior design program at SIU, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree, is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503.
The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The Bachelor of Science degree granted by Southern Illinois University meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For mor information about NCIDQ Exam visit: https://www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements.
The BSID curriculum also holds accreditation with the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) which seeks to "...improve educational practices and maintain high professional standards in art and design education".
“Licensure requirements vary by state. In some states, only licensed designers may do interior design work. In other states, both licensed and unlicensed designers may do such work; however, only licensed designers may use the title interior designer. In states where laws restrict the use of the title interior designer, only those who pass their state-approved exam, most commonly the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam, may call themselves registered interior designers. Qualifications for eligibility to take the NCIDQ exam include a combination of education and experience. For example, applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in interior design and 2 years of experience.”
Program Goals
The guiding goals for students, faculty and program administrators of the Interior Design program at SIU Carbondale are:
- Comprehensive, interdisciplinary education rooted in architectural studies
- Curriculum and educational culture focused on human-centered design
- Excellence in critical thinking and problem solving
- Understanding of the interior design industry and its business practices
- Development of strong visual, written and verbal communication skills
- Confidence in the clear articulation of ideas and insights
Student Career & Achievement Data
Professional Placement % as of Spring 2023 (based on LinkedIn profile data & School of Architecture data). Note: Professional Placement % includes job placement as well as graduate school acceptance
Acceptance into Graduate Programs (based on LinkedIn profile data & School of Architecture data):
Student Retention Rates for 1st year (based on SIU Interactive Factbook)
Graduation Rates per Cohort (based on SIU Interactive Factbook)
Our Mission
Our mission is to instill graduates with aesthetic sensibility; the need for intellectual inquiry in order to stay current with changing societal, technological and cultural imperatives; and the ability to design within the context of universal design principles and environmental responsibility.
—Interior Design Program Mission Statement,
SIU Carbondale
Our Connections
Interior design students have access to a wealth of academic resources as a part of the larger School of Architecture. This creates an active and collaborative design culture. Upon graduation, you'll be competitive nationally. Our graduates work for major companies such as Gensler, HOK, Perkins+Will, Whitney Architects, Arcturis, and Remiger Design.