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Interior Design

Availability: Hattiesburg Options

What do Interior Designers do?

A degree in interior design prepares graduates for a multifaceted career that merges creativity and technology into the design of the built environment, addressing aesthetics and supporting human well-being and quality of life. Designers work in a variety of market sectors and apply knowledge of human experience and behavior to the design of the built interior environment considering social, cultural, economic and ecological contexts in all aspects of their work.

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20studio class enrollment cap
5average # of academic study tours annually
2dually accredited by CIDA and NASAD

What Will I Learn?

Students first complete the required foundation courses in Art and Interior Design, including Drawing I, Design I and II, Interior Design I and II, Human Factors in the Built Environment, hand drafting, AutoCAD and BIM for Interior Designers.

Students then move into a progressive sequence of studio and lecture courses such as Interior Systems, Interior Construction Documentation, Design Presentation Media, Residential Interior Design I and II, Contract Interior Design I and II, Architecture/Art/Interior Design History, Textiles for Interiors, and Professional Practices and Procedures


Experiential Learning Environment

Interior design students are exposed to a variety of hands-on learning opportunities to include designing real-world projects, traveling domestically and abroad and completing professional internships. The dedicated design studio provides a unique, personalized learning environment that mimics a real working design firm where faculty serve as mentors and role models. Students have assisted the faculty on several University design projects to include the Moffitt Health Clinic, the Marine Research Center and Greene Hall renovation.

Interior design students complete a 320 hour internship under the direct supervision of a licensed interior designer or architect following the successful completion of ID 340 Residential Design I and ID 439 Contract Design I. Students gain valuable experience working for residential, commercial, hospitality and healthcare design firms throughout U.S. and are often hired into entry-level careers from this experience.

Interior design majors have access to several  scholarships opportunities.

Students should apply through the "Golden Opportunities" GO System through the University Foundation.  Applications are typically accepted mid-December through mid-February.

The following scholarships are available to interior design majors:

  • Anderson Retail Endowed Student Scholarship
  • Debbie B. Shemper Art and Interior Design Memorial Scholarship Endowment
  • Haworth Award for Excellence in Interior Design
  • Interior Elements Interior Design Annual Scholarship
  • James Isola Interior Design Memorial Scholarship Endowment
  • Lois Arender Drain Scholarship Endowment
  • ID 497CA International Housing and Interiors (3 Credits)

  • Italian Interiors and Design:  2000 years of Italian Design

  • This 18-day Intersession course (Fall 2023) will immerse students in an intensive exploration of Italian culture, design, and architecture spanning a 2,000-year period. Site visits will focus on the works of two highly influential designers, Andrea Palladio (1508-1580) and Carlo Scarpa (1906-1978) while in Venice and the Veneto region of Italy. Students will experience ancient ruins, medieval villages, and exceptional sculptural and architectural masterpieces of the Renaissance while in Florence with day trips to Siena and San Gimignano in the Tuscany Region. Optional weekend excursions will be offered to Rome and Pompeii.

Learn more about Study Abroad

The University of Southern Mississippi
Bachelor of Science in Interior Design

In accordance with the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) accreditation requirements, the Southern Miss Interior Design Program collects and publishes information regarding student achievement including aggregate data addressing attrition and retention, graduation rates, job placement rates, and acceptance into graduate programs. 

Length of Program

It typically takes a full-time student taking approximately 15 credits per semester four years to complete an interior design degree, while students that transfer or change their major into interior design can expect to complete the degree in three years taking on average 12-15 credits per semester.

Data Collection Method

The following data was collected using institutional records and an alumni survey that was administered 3 months after graduation.

Job Placement Rates for Recent Graduates

  • 100% (9/9) graduates from the May 2022 graduating class were employed within the design field by Sept. 1, 2022.  One student did not respond to the survey.
  • 86% (6/7) graduates from the May 2021 graduating class were employed within the design field by Sept. 1, 2021. Three students did not respond to survey.
  • 78% of graduates from the May 2020 graduating class were employed within the design field by Sept. 1, 2020.
  • 71% of graduates from the May 2019 graduating class were employed within the design field by Sept. 1, 2019.
  • 100% of graduates from the May 2018 graduating class were employed within the design field by Sept. 1, 2018.
  • 100% of graduates from the May 2017 graduating class were employed within the design field by Sept. 1, 2017.
  • 90% of graduates from the May 2016 graduating class were employed within the design field by Sept. 1, 2016
  • 100% of graduates from the May 2015 graduating class were employed within the design field by Sept. 1, 2015.
  • 72% of the students that graduated in May 2014 were employed in a design firm by May 1, 2014 (before they graduated).
  • 91% of students that graduated in May 2013 were employed in a design related position by Jan. 1st of 2014.

Graduate School Acceptance Rate

  • No students from the May 2022 graduating class applied to graduate school
  • No students from the May 2021 graduating class applied to graduate school.
  • One student from the May 2020 graduating class applied to graduate school and was accepted into the Savannah College of Art and Design.
  • No students from the May 2019 graduating class applied to graduate school.
  • No students from the May 2018 graduating class applied to graduate school.
  • No students from the May 2017 graduating class applied to graduate school.
  • 100% (2 students) from the May 2016 graduating class that applied to graduate school were accepted. (Univ. of Minnesota M. Arch. and Savannah College of Art and Design).
  • No students from the May 2015 graduating class applied to graduate school.
  • 100% of graduates from the May 2011 and 2012 graduating classes who applied to graduate school were accepted.   No graduates from 2013 and 2014 have applied to graduate school.
  • Recent graduates (2011-present) are currently attending Florida State University and Stephen F. Austin University earning a M.S. Degree in Interior Design.

Time to Degree

  • 100% of graduates from the May 2022 graduating class earned their degree in 4 years 

  • 90% of graduates from the May 2021 graduating class earned their degree in 4 years while 10% earned their degree within 7 years

  • 78% of graduates from the May 2020 graduating class earned their degree in 4 years while 22% earned their degree within 5 years.

  • 75% of graduates from the May 2019 graduating class earned their degree in 4 years while 25% earned their degree within 5 years.

  • 62.5% of graduates from the May 2018 graduating class earned their degree in 4 years while 37.5% earned their degree within 5 years.

  • 50% of graduates from the May 2017 graduating class earned their degree in 4 years while 37.5% earned their degree within 5 years. 12.5% did not complete their degree.

  • 80% of graduates from the May 2016 graduating class earned their degree in 4 years while 20% earned their degree within 5 years.

  • 66.67% of graduates from the May 2015 graduating class earned their degree in 4 years while 33.33% earned their degree within 5 years.

  • 57.15% of graduates from the May 2014 graduating class earned their degree in 4 years while 28.57% earned their degree within 5 years. 14.29% did not complete their degree.

  • 66.67% of graduates from May 2013 graduating class earned their degree in 4 years while 11.11% earned their degree within 5 years. 22.22 percent did not complete their degree.

Retention/Attrition Rates

  • 81% of the Interior Design Majors enrolled during the Spring 2022 semester returned in the Fall 2022 semester, putting attrition at 19%
  • 88% of the Interior Design Majors enrolled during the Spring 2021 semester returned in the Fall 2021 semester, putting attrition at 12%
  • 90% of the Interior Design Majors enrolled during the Spring 2020 semester returned in the Fall 2020 semester, putting attrition at 10%.
  • 89% of the Interior Design Majors enrolled during the Spring 2019 semester returned in the Fall 2019, putting attrition at 11%.
  • 89% of the Interior Design Majors enrolled during the Spring 2018 semester returned in the Fall 2018, putting attrition at 11%.
  • 84% of the Interior Design Majors enrolled during the Spring 2017 semester returned in the Fall 2017, putting attrition at 16%.
  • 84% of the Interior Design Majors enrolled during the Spring 2016 semester returned in the Fall 2016, putting attrition at 16%.
  • 83% of the Interior Design Majors enrolled during the Spring 2015 semester returned in the Fall 2015, putting attrition at 17%.
  • 100% of interior design majors enrolled during the 2014 spring semester are returning for the fall 2014 semester to continue their degree program in Interior Design, putting attrition at 0%.
  • 77% of interior design majors enrolled during the 2013 spring semester returned for the fall 2013 semester to continue their degree program in Interior Design, putting attrition at 23%. 

Last Edited on April 17, 2023

Professional Licensure Disclosure

The interior design program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree at The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503.

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 Bachelor of Science degree granted by The University of Southern Mississippi meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam), check out the NCIDQ Exam eligibility.

Completion of this degree does not guarantee employment, certification or licensure as a professional interior designer. Requirements to become a licensed or certified interior designer varies state-by-state and students as well as graduates are responsible for confirming all education, testing and licensing requirements by checking with the appropriate state licensing board where they wish to work. Completing the CIDA Accredited B.S. degree from The University of Southern Mississippi will fulfill one of multiple requirements toward becoming a Mississippi Certified Interior Designer. For more information about the Mississippi Certified Interior Designer Registration Act, visit or email.

Contact Claire%20Hamilton for additional information or call 601.266.6437.

Availability

Degree Plan Availability
Interior Design BSHattiesburg
Interior Design Minor
  • Residential Interior Design
  • Hospitality Interior Design
  • Commercial Interior Design
  • Healthcare Interior Design
  • Senior Living Interior Design
  • Interior Design Educator
  • Audrey Neeld, 2018
    Interior Design Assistant, Amanda Simmons Interiors, Houston, TX
  • Giulia Irwin, 2016
  • Maggie Betsch, 2017
    Vinyard Interior Designer, Nashville Office Interiors
  • Taylor Messingham, 2017
    Designer, Lawrence Group, St. Louis, MO
  • Alissa Clouse Tang, 2016
    Interior Design Associate, Duvall Decker Architects, Jackson, MS
  • Jamie Jelinski, 2015
    Interior Designer, Pi Architects, Austin, TX