Interior Design
The Interior Design program, which is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, teaches students to identify, research and creatively solve problems pertaining to the design of functional and high quality interior ewnvironments. They gain specialized knowledge of interior construction, sustainable practices, interior materials, furnishing and aesthetics, building codes, and social and ethical responsibilities of designers. Students engage in programming, design analysis and space planning relative to interior environments. They prepare drawings and documents that detail their specifications for aesthetically pleasing interiors that meet client needs, enhance quality of life and protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.
Program Admission and Curriculum
The entry system for the Interior Design Program is highly competitive. Students are evaluated at the end of their first year and chosen based on their performance in interior design courses, projects and overall grade point average. To earn a bachelor’s degree, all students must complete 132 credit hours including the General Education Curriculum required by the University.
Core courses for this major include, but are not limited to, design peer monitoring, design foundations, history of interiors and furniture, interior design graphics, computer-aided drafting and design, and both residential and contract interior design studios. Complete course listings and descriptions can be found in the current WVU Undergraduate Catalog.
As part of the international focus of the program, all design students are required to study abroad in the spring semester of their third year. Students are also encouraged to enroll in internships (ID 400) where they are able to learn and work with practicing designers while earning university credit.
Employment Opportunities
Employment in design occupations is expected to grow. Interior designers often work for interior design firms, architectural firms, department and home furnishing stores, or hotel and restaurant chains. Beginning designers usually receive on-the-job-training and normally need one to three years of apprenticeship before they advance to higher level positions. Salaries for junior interior designers in the largest interior design firms average $30,000, and project and senior interior designers average $38,000. Project managers average $50,000.
Accreditation
The Interior Design major is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
