Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interior Design FAQs

Applicants who meet the minimum major-specific requirements and competitive ranking based on the CSULB Supplemental Application will be invited to submit a portfolio electronically. Instructions for electronic submission of the portfolio and the deadline for submission will be communicated in the invitation. Applicants to the BFA in Interior Design must receive a positive recommendation from the faculty following review of the portfolio in order to be admitted into the option. See additional information under the BFA Transfer Students section. For additional information on admissions please visit our General Admissions Page.

The flowchart provides a guideline for students in planning their design course schedule. The flowchart is broken down into 5 years, 2 semesters each. Students are not required to follow the provided course pattern, but must meet prerequisites before enrolling into any design course. Prerequisites are listed in the flowchart provided, but it is the student's responsibility to refer to the current CSULB catalog for updates and changes.

Portfolio Review is held in the Spring semester. 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 (by Fall before review). The Portfolio Review application is available, and due, in late Fall before the review.

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.

The advisors in our Program do not advise on GE requirements. Please contact Academic Advising for questions concerning GE requirements.

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.