​​​​​​​​​​​​​Program Description

At CMU, you’ll learn to create and reinvent better home interiors and workspaces by relating interior design to society and architecture. CMU’s interior design program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. You’ll benefit from strong ties to working alumni and a robust internship program. Your degree qualifies you for many industry jobs, including project manager, design manager or consultant, facilities management consultant, kitchen or bath planner, merchandise manager, or set designer.​​

Put Your Degree to Work

For More Information

Visit the interior design website or contact:

Department of Fashion, Interior Design, and Merchandising
EHS Building 228
Email: fidm@cmich.edu
Phone: 989-774-3218

Program Overview

The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires. For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.

(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)

Interior Design Major

The Interior Design Program involves the detailed design of interiors, drawing on diverse knowledge from various disciplines emphasizing an integrated approach that relates interior design to society and architecture. The Program is nationally accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and the National Association for Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Students are prepared to excel in a wide range of careers including commercial, residential, healthcare, and related areas. A sequence of creative design studios is supported by both theoretical and technical courses and students learn both traditional and digital visual presentation formats.
Total: 57 Semester hours Note: IND 332WI satisfies the University Program Group III-A requirement. IND 432 may be offered as Writing Intensive; check Course Registration for sections offered as WI. The Interior Design program has the right to request any student’s work for display, publication or permanent use. The department provides minimal supplies and equipment. Students are expected to purchase most of their personal project materials. Suggested Minors (20-24 hours): Art, Art History, Business Administration, Child Development, Entrepreneurship, Event Management, History, Hospitality Services Administration, Journalism, Management, Marketing, Multimedia Design, Museum Studies, Professional Sales, Psychology, Real Estate: Development and Finance, Sociology.
Required Courses
(57 hours)
IND 131
Interior Design Studio I: Introduction
3
IND 138
Visual Communication for Interior Design
3
IND 139
Interior Design Drafting
3
IND 155
Introduction to Textiles
3
IND 238
Design History and Precedent
3
IND 328
Design History and Criticism
3
IND 332WI
Human Shelter and Environment
3
IND 334
Computer-Aided Design for Interiors
3
IND 335
Contract Documents
3
IND 336
Materials and Components of Interior Design
3
IND 337
Interior Design Studio II: Residential
3
IND 338
Professional Preparation for Interior Design
1
IND 339WI
Interior Design Studio III: Special User Groups
3
IND 432
Seminar in Interior Design
3
IND 433
Professional Practices in Interior Design
3
IND 434
Advanced CAD for Interiors
3
IND 436
Lighting and Other Mechanical Systems
3
IND 437
Interior Design Studio IV: Contract
3
IND 438
Interior Design Internship
2
IND 439
Interior Design Studio V: Senior Thesis
3