Interior Design Program Accreditation
CIDA Professional Standards
The Interior Design Program leading to the Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design, is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503. Georgia Southern University has held accreditation by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA, formerly FIDER) since 2000. We have been reaccredited through 2029. “Achieving accreditation is a strong signal of a program’s commitment to delivering a quality professional-level education that prepares students for entry-level interior design practice” (CIDA).
The Interior Design Program is also accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). We are also an affiliated school with the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
There are sixteen CIDA standards divided into four sections. In order to be accredited, a program must comply or partially comply with all sixteen standards. Compliance with standards is measured by student learning and program expectations. Judgment of compliance is based on the expertise of experienced peer evaluators and precedent in accreditation. The program complies with eligibility requirements through its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (recognized by the U.S. Department of Education) to award associate degrees. CIDA brings professionalism and quality to interior design programs by identifying, developing and promoting quality standards for the education of entry-level interior designers. As a leader in the interior design profession, the Council is the primary accrediting agency for interior design education, leading the profession to excellence by setting standards and evaluating academic programs in interior design.
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 first Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design granted by Georgia Southern 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 Exam eligibility visit: https://www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements.
There are over 150 programs accredited under The Council for Interior Design Accreditation Professional Standards. We are one of the six accredited programs in Georgia; one of only two public institutions and the only accredited institution in southern Georgia. Our recent process for reaccreditation is explained here:
“Programs seeking CIDA accreditation voluntarily place themselves before the scrutiny of the interior design profession by participating in a rigorous peer review process. This process requires interior design programs to conduct a thorough self-evaluation of compliance with CIDA Professional Standards and report results to CIDA. The program must also organize an extensive display of student work for CIDA’s review and host a three-member team of CIDA peer evaluators for an on-site assessment of compliance with CIDA Professional Standards. A report of the findings from this on-site evaluation as well as follow-up dialogue with the program forms the basis for a final decision on accreditation by CIDA’s Accreditation Commission.” (https://www.accredit-id.org/announcements/kps65mspnvonw0b887lzpby87hgmun.)
Professional Licensure and Registration
The School of Human Ecology has determined that the required classes and educational activities of this academic program will qualify a graduate of this program to take the NCIDQ certification exam. This exam is required to be licensed as an interior designer in the U.S. states and territories that require a license. A license is not required in AK, AZ, CO, DE, HI, ID, KS, MA, MI, MT, NH, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, VT, WA, WV, WY, GU or VI. The program can also prepare you to take the IDEX California exam, which is required for licensure in California. It is not yet determined if our program meets the licensure requirements in NE, NM, or WI. Georgia Southern makes every effort to ensure information about educational requirements for licensure or certification is current; however, state requirements may change. Separate from educational requirements, state licensure boards may require applicants to complete professional examinations, background checks, years of professional experience, residence requirements, jurisprudence exams, training, etc. If you are planning to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Georgia, it is strongly recommended that you contact the appropriate licensing entity in that state to seek information regarding licensure or certification requirements before beginning an academic program. For more information, including assistance if you are located in or seeking licensure in NE, NM, or WI, as well as for a list of applicable state boards, visit the Georgia Southern State Authorization and Professional Licensure Webpage.
Student Achievement Data
Georgia Southern University, Interior Design Program, Bachelor of Science
It typically takes a full-time student taking approximately 15 credits per semester (15-18 credits) and four years to complete the degree program.
The following data was collected using institutional records, two exit surveys (administered by the program and GS), and an alumni survey administered by the program.
Student Attrition and Retention
Retention: 85.7% students admitted into Studio I in the spring of 2022 (30 of 35) returned in the fall of 2022 putting attrition at 14.3%. For seniors, students returning from Studio IV to Studio V in the spring of 2022 were 100%.
Graduation Rates:
Of the students graduating in academic year 2021/22, 98% (n=56) graduated in 4 years or less from starting in the program. This includes one double-major who needed extended time.
Acceptance into Graduate Programs:
Two out of 26 students in 2020 applied to graduate school and both were accepted. Thus, 7% of students who graduated in 2020 applied for graduate school, and of those 100% were accepted.
Zero students have entered graduate school in 2021 or 2022.
Job Placement Rates:
As of Fall 2022
2018: 100% of the 21 students who graduated in 2018 are employed in interior design or a related profession.
2019: 96% of the 23 students who graduated in 2019 are employed in interior design or a related profession.
2020: 97% of the 29 students who graduated in 2020 are employed. Two are not in interior design or a related profession.
2021: 97% of the 34 students who graduated in 2021 are employed. Two are not in interior design or a related profession.
*data current as of 11/7/2022
Please visit the CIDA website for more information.
Comprehensive Program Review
The most recent review report: Program compliance with University’s Strategic Themes
Last updated: 7/3/2024
