About
The Department of Interior Architecture and Design, housed in the College of Fine Arts, encompasses a CIDA accredited undergraduate curriculum and a one-year master of science (M.S.) degree or a 2-year Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. Students are exposed to design theory, history, technical skills, and participate in studio classes addressing residential and commercial spaces including health care, retail, office environments, hospitality and designs for special populations such as children, elders, and others in need of supportive spaces. The CIDA accredited curriculum prepares students to work in interior design firms, as interior designers in architectural firms, or in a number of other design-related settings.
The Program
The Department offers both Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in interior design. The Undergraduate Program has been fully accredited since 1975 by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). Both the Undergraduate and Graduate Programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Exam (NCIDQ), which is the gateway to professionalism and required for practice in many states.
Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees are offered at the undergraduate level. The Graduate Program includes the Master of Science Project Track, Master of Science Research Track, and Master of Fine Arts degrees are available for candidates already holding a Bachelor’s degree in interior design or other related and approved design discipline. Our MFA program is especially responsive to those graduate students wishing to enter the field of design education in the future.
Department Mission
The Department’s mission is to impart our department values of human-centered design. We provide students the knowledge necessary to pursue careers as interior designers who create beautiful, functional and sustainable interiors that positively impact human health, safety, and well-being. Through the application of evidence-based design, creative and critical thinking, students create well-designed commercial and residential spaces where people live, work and play.
Department Values
As designers, we believe that well-designed spaces have the potential to positively impact human well-being. As faculty, we strive to impart the following human-centered values to our students:
- Creative, beautiful and meaningful spaces enhance our life experiences.
- Well designed spaces are an important part of our culture and history.
- Good design should be available to all and can serve as an agent for social change.
- Spaces have the ability to contribute to our sense of place and community.
- Spaces should be functional and meet the needs of building occupants.
- Sustainable design is essential to human health and well-being.
- Research and evidence-based design are an essential part of design decision making.
- Ethical behavior and responsible business practices are essential.
Career Path
The FSU Interior Design program resides in the Department of Interior Architecture +Design. The department name accurately describes the work students engage in while in school and out in the workforce. Students are heavily involved in shaping the interior space. The undergraduate program leading to the bachelor’s degree (either BS or BA) is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), https://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’s degree granted by Florida State University meets the educational requirements for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ eligibility visit: https://www.cidq.org/eligibility requirements. It is important to note that students remaining in the state of Florida will be eligible (upon passage of the NCIDQ) to be licensed as interior designers. Because of program name is interior design, FSU diplomas read “interior design.” Please contact the department for any clarification.
Department Facilities
The Department is housed in the William Johnston Building, on Landis Green in the heart of the FSU campus (with our main department office in 1038 WJB). Aside from the department and faculty offices, our facilities consist of 6 design studios, a CAD lab, print center, resource room, a public critique space, graduate lounge, seminar and lecture spaces, a gallery, a fully-equipped woodworking shop, a design library and congregation spaces for our students. The building achieved a Gold LEED certification. The FSU Innovation Hub is directly across the green.
