Undergraduate Program Overview
WSU’s program is a great place to get the background and credentials! Interior Design majors study the behavioral, functional, and aesthetic issues that influence our daily lives.
At the end of the sophomore studio series, students are required to present a portfolio that is evaluated for acceptance into the major. Students begin their program of study in Pullman or study in Spokane at the Interdisciplinary Design Institute, where they will be participating in an interdisciplinary design studio experience with artchitecture and landscape artchitecture students. A new building housing the WSU Spokane Interdisciplinary Design Institute opened in February 1996. A new facility for the Pullman branch is pending in the next few years.
Design studios allow students to receive individualized hands-on training. Computer-aided design is an integral part of the courswork. A college-supported microcomputer laboratory with computer-aided design workstations is available to students. The student chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) allows students to network with interior design professionals while increasing their own knowledge fo the field. An active departmental Advisory Board composed of business and industry leaders from throughout the Pacific Northwest provides avenues for students to explore the practioner’s world. Annual fieldtrips to study design in major areas such as Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix expands students’ understanding. Students are encouraged to compete an internship in the design field before graduating.
The department provides an in-house computer graphics lab, and access to a college lab for graphics projects to supplemental plentiful word processing and internet capable computer labs around campus. AutoCAD classes offered in the department and through Architecture provide a strong graphics base. Electronic imaging classes offered through Fine Arts complement the program. An up-to-date Materials Resource Library provides students with samples for project work and information on current material technology and performance.
Strengths of the Program
- Students broaden their perspectives beyond the northwest through internships; field trips to San Francisco, Seattle, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Phoenix; and study abroad programs in Europe.
- Get involved in regional, national, and international competitions.
- Grow professionally through WSU’s student chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers.
- A master of arts in interior design at WSU can be complete in on additional year (master’s courses are offered at Spokane).
- Experience the unique interdisciplinary studio setting at WSU Spokane during your senior year with architecture and landscape architecture students.
- Transfer directly from Bellevue and Spokane Falls community colleges to WSU Spokane for completion of the bachelor’s degree.