Southern Miss Interior Design Program Earns CIDA Accreditation
Tue, 05/27/2025 - 09:00am | By: Ivonne Kawas
The University of Southern Mississippi’s Interior Design program has earned accreditation from the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), demonstrating its commitment to preparing graduates who are ready for life. The Bachelor of Science program has been awarded accreditation for a full term of six years, valid through 2031.
“The recent accreditation by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation is a significant milestone for the Interior Design program at Southern Miss,” said Dr. Emre Bayraktar, director of the School of Construction and Design. “It reaffirms the high standards of our curriculum, the dedication of our faculty, and our commitment to preparing students for successful careers. Our graduates are leaving Southern Miss with a degree that meets rigorous national standards and aligns with the expectations of today’s design industry.”
Bayraktar highlighted that achieving the accreditation was the result of a collaborative and focused effort.
“Over the past two years, our faculty have worked together to strengthen course content, enhance project-based learning, and ensure continuous alignment with CIDA’s expectations. We’ve also upgraded our teaching tools, invested in new technology, and expanded partnerships with industry professionals to provide students with real-world learning opportunities,” he said.
For students, CIDA accreditation is a testament to the strength of their education and the preparation it provides. Tatum Hansen, a Madison, Miss., native who recently graduated, reflected on how the program shaped her experience.
“Throughout my time at Southern Miss, I had the opportunity to complete internships with both McCarty Architects and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Interior Design program’s CIDA-accredited curriculum prepared me with a strong foundation in technical skills and design standards, while real-world projects with industry professionals helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice,” said Hansen.
“That preparation gave me the confidence to make meaningful contributions during my internships and helped me stand out—ultimately leading to a full-time role with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after graduation,” she continued. “Knowing my degree meets the highest standards gives me added confidence as I begin my career in interior design.”
The Interior Design program at Southern Miss provides students with the opportunity to design innovative, functional spaces that meet real-world challenges across residential, commercial, healthcare and hospitality settings. Through community projects, strong industry partnerships, and immersive experiences like the annual showhouse, students apply their learning in hands-on, meaningful ways.
“What truly sets Southern Miss Interior Design apart is our student-centered approach, small class sizes, and strong studio culture,” said Bayraktar. “From their very first semester, students are immersed in hands-on, studio-based coursework and community-engaged projects that encourage creativity, critical thinking and professional growth.”
Dr. Chris Winstead, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, emphasized the pride Southern Miss takes in the program’s excellence and recent recognition
“Each year, we are privileged to witness the outstanding work of our Interior Design students. From senior projects to the annual showhouse, we remain continually impressed by their achievements and by the exceptional leadership of our Interior Design faculty. The recent accreditation further affirms the superior quality of our program among institutions nationwide.”
As part of CIDA’s ongoing review process, the program will submit a progress report in three years and is scheduled for its next full re-accreditation review in 2031.
Interested in the world of interior design? Learn more about the Interior Design program at Southern Miss and flip through our brochure.