Interior Design

In Central Michigan University's nationally-accredited Interior Design program, you’ll use your design skills to develop creative, beautiful, and functional interior spaces that meet the needs of the end users. Working with a diverse faculty with education and industry experience and using design-specific software, you’ll learn to create unique spaces by emphasizing an integrated approach that connects interior design to society and architecture.

Get hands-on interior design experience

Engage in community and university activities outside the classroom:

  • Compete in design competitions.
  • Participate in service-learning projects.
  • Complete an internship experience.
  • Connect with professionals in A+D firms and corporations.
  • Attend field trips.
  • Present at conferences.

Program Details

CMU's Interior Design program is CIDA and NASAD accredited.

The interior design program leading to the B.A., B.S., or B.A.A. degree is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA, 2021-2027), 206 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. The program is also accredited by the  National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD).

The CIDA-accredited program prepares you for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The B.A., B.S., or B.A.A. degrees granted by Central Michigan University meet the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). Learn more about NCIDQ Exam eligibility.

Alum Spotlight

Julie Braam, NCIDQ, SCCID, IIDA, WELL AP ('15) is a Senior Interior Designer and Healthy Interior Environments Thought Leader at MHTN Architects in Salt Lake City. A leader in sustainable and healthy interior design, she has served as President of the IIDA Intermountain Chapter, co-chairs the chapter's BEST Design Awards, has published on the impact of color in the built environment, and helps lead firmwide sustainability initiatives that support high-performance, human-centered design.

a woman with shoulder length, curly, blond hair and glasses smiling at the camera
Julie Braam ('15) is a an NCIDQ-Certified Senior Interior Designer and Healthy Interior Environments Thought Leader at MHTN Architects in Salt Lake City, Utah. A leader in sustainable design and design for wellbeing, she primarily works in the higher education and municipal sectors while also helping to lead firmwide sustainability initiatives that support high-performance, human-centered design. Julie has served as President of the IIDA Intermountain Chapter and has been a guest speaker for several IIDA events on sustainability and DEI in design. 
a dining room with windows that overlook a lake with a 8 person table and chairs
Designers Amanda Rink ('10) and Leslie Graham ('22) of Jones-Keena & Co. teamed with lead designer Lucy Earl on a home in Glen Lake, Michigan. The project was highlighted in Michigan Blue Magazine.

Interior Design