Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interior Design FAQs
Prospective Students
“Applicants must meet minimum major-specific requirements and all general transfer admission requirements. Students who apply to the interior design major will be invited to submit a portfolio. It is optional to submit. Those who do not submit a portfolio, or whose portfolio is not accepted, will be offered admission to our Design BA major, based on meeting all other admission criteria.
Portfolios are competitive and will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Freehand Drawing
- Technical Drawing (software from CAD, REVIT, etc.)
- Physical Constructs (model building, 3D forms, etc.)
- 3D Visualizations (SketchUp w/ enscape, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator)
- Space Planning
- Design Process
- Misc – (lighting, materials and finishes, etc.)
*Sample portfolios coming soon*
The flowchart provides a guideline for students in planning their design course schedule, broken down by semester in the order that classes should be taken. Many courses have prerequisites and therefore must be taken in that order. Notice that the flowcharts are 8 semesters long whether entering as a freshmen or transfer student.
Portfolio Review is held in the Spring semester only. All students, including transfer students, must pass the portfolio review before acceptance into Junior studio classes. Portfolio material is based on projects completed in the lower‐division design courses. Students are eligible to submit their portfolio after completing lower‐division design requirements, plus DESN 312 and 340.
Students can use assist.org to view which design classes will transfer to our program. Design classes that are not articulated on assist.org may be reviewed for transferability on a case-by-case basis. To request credit for a class, admitted students will need to provide a copy of the syllabus and any relevant work for the faculty to review prior to registration. It is not guaranteed.
For complete financial aid information, please contact Financial Aid.
There are several scholarships and competitions available to CSULB students.
Yes, CSULB is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). NASAD, founded in 1944, is an organization of schools, colleges, and universities. It has approximately 240 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials. A Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Interior Design is recognized as a degree from a fully accredited university.
The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam is the certification examination for professional interior designers. In the State of California, the examination is administered by CCIDC, the California Council for Interior Design Certification. California has certification and not licensure. Upon passage of the NCIDQ examination an interior designer may become certified and apply for full membership in professional interior design associations which promote public acceptance through awareness of the profession. Certification can also engender reciprocity to allow practice in other states.
The BFA Degree from CSULB meets the NCIDQ exam eligibility requirements for the necessary four to five years of accredited education. Once the student or graduate gains two years of work experience they qualify to take the exam to become a Certified Interior Designer.
Students who complete the BFA program are actively working locally, nationally or internationally in the profession, or have chosen to pursue graduate level studies in related fields.
Your academic advisor will work with you on your General Education requirements based on your catalog year. Transfer students, note that while you may have completed most lower division GE classes at a community college, you will still have a few upper division GE classes to take at CSULB.
The Majority of required courses are offered during the day. The program is considered to be a full‐time program. Although, many of our students are able to work by taking classes on a two or three-day schedule.
Each semester is 16 weeks long, and most courses meet twice per week for three hours, with an average of nine hours outside work weekly for each course. Full‐time enrollment is typically four courses per semester, but students may take fewer than four courses per semester. International students are required to carry a minimum number of units per semester. For more information contact the International Student Office
The undergraduate advisor will provide you with recommended courses each semester. Additionally, students can view the interior design roadmap and program catalog.
Although our program focuses on commercial design, our objective is to provide a well‐rounded education. As you advance through the program, exposure to various aspects of design will only enhance your ability to pursue a professional specialization that is of greatest interest to you.
The Design Department recommends computer specifications for those who would like to provide their own computer when taking the lab classes.
No, due to course prerequisites and the portfolio review process, the minimum graduation timeline for transfer students is 3 years. For a two-year program, check out our Design BA major.
