FCS
Interior Design
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is it necessary to apply for acceptance into the interior design program even though I have been accepted as a student by the University?
The interior design program is in high demand by incoming freshman and transferring students. The number of faculty and available space limits classes and sections that can be offered. Acceptance by the program will ensure that incoming students with the strongest motivation and credentials are able to enroll in required interior design classes.
2. My goal is to be an interior decorator. Is this the right major for me?
No. Western Michigan University does not offer a major in interior decoration. Our's is an interior design program. It is quite common for people to be confused about the difference between these two professions. An interior decorator may or may not have a formal education in interior design. Their jobs usually involve the recommendation of finishes and furnishings within an existing space. For example, they may recommend fabric for a piece of furniture or the replacement of a floorcovering. An interior designer is qualified by education, experience and examination to enhance the function and quality of interior spaces for the purpose of improving the quality of life, increasing productivity and protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public.
3. Where do I obtain an application and what is the deadline for submission?
Applications may be obtained from the Family and Consumer Sciences office, room 3326 Kohrman Hall and the Academic Advising office, room 2504 Sangren Hall. Select the Admission Policy link. Applications are accepted at any time of the year but are due no later than May 1 for the following fall semester.
4. When will I know if I have been accepted into the interior design program?
Student applicants will be notified of their status as an ITD major by May 20. Acceptance ensures that the student will be able to enroll in lower-level courses. Students will still participate in Portfolio Review for selective admission to upper-level studios at the end of the second year.
5. Once I am accepted into the interior design program, how long will it take me to complete my degree?
The interior design program is a four-year degree. The coursework is sequential and most classes are taught only once a year. Students accepted into the program must begin the program during the fall term.
6. What are the performance expectations?
The interior design program at Western Michigan University is a professional program. Most ITD courses are in a laboratory or studio format and are very labor intensive. They each require between 3 - 7 hours of weekly in-class time, plus a minimum of twice that (6 - 14 hours) outside of class time per week.
The ITD program has an attendance policy which states that attendance is expected at all class meetings. Any absences in excess of four may result in automatic failure in the course.
Students are required to participate in Portfolio Review at the end of the fourth semester. In order to do this, the student must have completed specified classes with a minimum 2.75 GPA and achieved an overall grade point average of 2.5 or greater. See the Portfolio Review Policy for a complete explanation.
7. What else should I expect in this program?
As explained above, interior design is a time intensive major. Current full time students report having very limited time for work and social/extra- curricular activities. They do develop close relationships with other students in the program.
Also, students must budget resources for tools and supplies in addition to textbooks. This can be costly. Students should understand that they are making an investment in their future careers as well as their success as students.
8. Will I need a computer?
Interior design students use computers frequently for their course work. Computer labs are available in the department as well as at other locations in the university. If you are planning to purchase a computer, it may be helpful for you to contact the Bronco Technology Center for recommendations on a system and memory.
9. Are there high school courses that I should take that would contribute to my success in the ITD program?
Yes. A solid college preparatory background of high school courses that includes math and the sciences is important and helpful. Also, courses such as architectural drawing, art drawing and computer-aided design (CAD) involve skills that take time to develop. Students usually find prior coursework in these areas enhances their progress through the interior design program.
10. Must I start the program during fall semester?
Yes. Admission to Interior design is for fall semester only. The program is a highly sequenced one and most classes involve prerequisites. Since many courses are only offered once a year, it is important that students begin in the fall semester. This applies to incoming freshmen and transfer students.
11. I am a Western Michigan University student. Can I transfer into the interior design program?
WMU students desiring to transfer into the interior design program must have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.8 or higher. They must apply directly to the program by May 1 for program admission consideration for the following fall semester. Transfer students should anticipate that additional semesters of study will be required.
12. Can I transfer into the interior design program from another school?
Students desiring to transfer into the interior design program must have a transferable grade point average (GPA) of 2.8 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher as computed by WMU Admissions. A student transferring from another school must be accepted by the University and the program. Applications to the program must be received by May 1 for the following fall semester. Transfer students should anticipate that it will take them four years at WMU to complete the required sequence of courses.
13. Can I transfer coursework from another interior design program at another university or community college?
Interior design coursework from another school / university is not always directly comparable. It is possible that coursework will transfer. A list of equivalents from Michigan Community Colleges is available at www.wmich.edu/admi/TCE To determine if other interior design coursework will transfer as an exact equivalent, please contact the interior design program coordinator at Western Michigan University. Usually you will be asked to supply a course syllabus and project work as well as a transcript for review before a particular interior design course will be considered as an exact equivalent of an Interior Design course at WMU.