Interior Design
Major, Minor
Interior design degree
Imagine designing homes where families can thrive and offices where creativity and productivity soar. You can turn your passion for creating beautiful spaces into a rewarding career.
As an interior design major at Central Michigan University, you'll do so much more than just decorate rooms. You'll learn how to combine style with functionality to create spaces that are not only stunning but also meet the needs of those who use them every day. At CMU, we believe that great design can change lives.
AT A GLANCE
What will I learn with an interior design degree?
Having a great eye for design is just part of what it takes to be an interior designer. In our interior design program, you'll learn how societies have used design throughout history and how to create modern spaces designed for the way we live today. You'll learn about lighting, textiles, architectural drawings, and building codes — because your designs can't be seen if they can't be constructed.
As part of your training for your interior design degree, you'll master the software employers will expect you to know inside-out. You'll learn packages by Autodesk, Configura, SketchUp and more.
Our experienced professors are not just teachers; they are your mentors. Each one brings years of real-world experience to the classroom, offering you insights and guidance that will help you succeed.
Because doing is an essential part of learning, we require an internship. Internship opportunities are diverse and have included positions within residential and non-residential design and architectural firms, furniture manufacturers such as Steelcase and Haworth, kitchen and bath studios and the Home Shopping Network.
Interior design program highlights
As an interior design student, you'll join an industry-recognized program.
- Nationally accredited program: Our program is nationally accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and by the National Association for Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
- Student Organizations: Participate in field trips, studio nights and more as part of the student-led CMU Interior Design Student Organizations (IDSO).
- Study Abroad: Travel every two years to some of the world’s greatest cities for design and architecture. See them for yourself as part of a 10-day faculty-led class.
- Graduate career ready: 84 percent of our students who graduated in 2022-2023 school year are employed in design or design-related jobs according to student achievement data.
What can I do with an interior design degree?
CMU's interior design major will prepare you for careers in several fields, including commercial, residential and healthcare design. Our alumni work all over the country — at design firms, government agencies and theater companies.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Residential Designer | $37,500 |
| Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer | $62,510 |
| Interior Designer | $62,510 |
| Event Planner | $56,920 |
| Facilities Manager | $99,030 |
Deliberate design
Dr. Jeanneane Wood-Nartker and undergraduate interior design students research design solutions for autistic individuals and their aging parents. Using deliberate designs helps create an environment that meets the needs of the individuals who need it the most.
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