USM Home/School of Construction and Design/CIDA Data

CIDA Data

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, www.accredit-id.org, 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). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: https://www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements

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 www.msboa.ms.gov or email msboa@msboa.ms.gov

Contact Claire Hamilton for additional information at claire.hamiltonFREEMississippi or call 601-266-6437.

CIDA Student Achievement Data
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:

78% of graduates from the May 2019 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:

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:

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:

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%.

Page Last Edited on October 2, 2020

CIDA Data

Contact Us