Students in the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER) accredited program learn to identify, research, and creatively solve problems pertaining to the function and quality of the interior environment. They gain specialized knowledge of interior construction, building codes, equipment, materials, furnishings, and aesthetics. Students engage in programming, design analysis, and space planning relative to interiors. They prepare drawings and documents that detail their recommendations for aesthetically pleasing interiors that also protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

The Interior Design program is known for the amount of hands-on experience it makes available to its majors. Realizing the international scope of Interior Design, the program requires a minimum of two semesters of a foreign language, two courses in global issues, a study-abroad semester, and problem-solving course work that emphasizes international design and issues. The student professional organization, the American Society of Interior Designers, is active on campus and sponsors various tours and trips to enhance the learning experience. Through Interior Design 400, seniors in the program may intern in a professional environment. While earning credit, students are able to learn and work under practicing designers.

Midway through the Interior Design Program, students submit their design work to a panel of faculty for evaluation. Critiques of the students’ designs are returned to them noting their strengths and areas needing improvement.

Admission
Students who meet University admission requirements may be accepted directly into the Davis College as Interior Design majors.

Enrollment in the first-year level is not limited, but sophomore-, junior-, and senior-level classes are limited to 20 students each. To continue in the program beyond the first year, students must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.25 and a minimum of 2.50 in Interior Design classes.

Curriculum
In addition to the University's Liberal Studies requirements, Interior Design majors complete a number of other courses to earn a bachelor of science in Family and Consumer Sciences. Course work consists of nine credit hours in the Family and Consumer Sciences core, 49 credit hours in interior design, nine credit hours in business, nine credit hours of additional requirements, and several other electives. It is highly recommended that all students take ID 400, Interior Design Internship. There are 132 credit hours needed for graduation, and approximately 15 of these will be taken during a “Study Abroad” semester.

Accreditation
West Virginia University is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Interior Design program is fully accredited by the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research.

Career Opportunities
Employment in design occupations is expected to grow through the year 2005. Interior designers often work for interior design firms, architectural firms, department and home furnishing stores, or hotel and restaurant chains. Some designers do freelance work full time, part time, or in addition to a salaried job. Beginning designers usually receive on-the-job training and normally need one to three years of apprenticeship before they advance to higher-level positions. Experienced designers in large firms may advance to chief designer, design department head, or other supervisory positions. Some experienced designers open their own firms.

Salary Range
According to the Top and Second 100 GIANTS surveys published by Interior Design magazine, salaries of junior interior designers in the largest interior design firms average $25,000, and project and senior interior designers average $38,000. Project managers average $50,500 a year.

Course Work

For more information, contact William H. Hagerty at
(304) 293-3402 ext. 1789, Bill.Hagerty@mail.wvu.edu, or visit the Web site at www.cafcs.wvu.edu/fcs/id/.