Admission to the Interior Design program is competitive. As an incoming freshman, the student applies for admission into the pre-interior design foundation level to begin taking courses. At the end of the first year, the student will apply to the professional program (years two-four). A committee reviews the student’s academic work and portfolio, then notifies the student about their admission.
Additional information on the Department of Interior Design can be found in the LSU General Catalog.
Admission Requirements for Freshman
Incoming freshman intending to major in interior design must apply for admission into the pre-interior design foundation level. Entry into the first year interior design foundation courses is selective. The application process starts through LSU admissions. Once the student designates the pre-id major, the student will be notified by the Department of Interior Design regarding acceptance into the program. High school academic grade point average (gpa) and ACT or SAT scores are the primary determinants for entrance. Applicants with portfolios or other factors for consideration should contact the department of interior design and/or schedule an on-campus interview. Students are encouraged to apply early. Admission is competitive. The students with the highest qualifications will be admitted to the beginning interior design foundation courses in the fall semester of each academic year. Admission into the professional interior design program (years two-four) is also competitive for the limited positions available. Continuation after the freshman year is based on a scholastic and portfolio review.
Transfer Students and LSU students with a minimum gpa of 2.75 will be considered for admission on a space-available basis in the fall and spring semesters.
Admission to the Second-Fourth Year Professional Program
Admission into the professional program (years two through four) is competitive for the limited positions available. Admission is selective and is based on a scholastic and portfolio review. Applications are accepted only in the spring semester and must meet the following requirements:
- Completion or enrollment in the first-year foundation courses (ID 1051, 1780, ART 1011, 1847)
- Earned cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 at time of application
- Portfolio of art and design work representative of required first-year foundation studio course
To apply, complete the application packet which includes:
- The Selective Admission Application for Professional Program (year 2-4) (typed or printed legibly)
- Unofficial Academic Records (degree audit and/or transcripts)
- Statement of Intent – a brief narrative of interest in the interior design profession (Approximately 150 words, double spaced, 1″ margins, 14 point Arial font on an 8 ½ by 11 sheet of paper).
After the packet is submitted to the Interior Design Program Office, generally due by early March, the student will display their portfolio for review. The Selective Admissions Committee uses a blind review process to evaluate portfolio. The committee does not know which student completed the work as they evaluate the portfolio, ensuring objectivity in the selection process.
Notification:
After the portfolio and applications are reviewed, the student will be notified of their acceptance or denial by e-mail and letter only. Please make sure your e-mail or mailing address is current! The department chair, staff and faculty work hard to make admissions decisions as quickly as possible, so please do not come by the office or call. If they are accepted to the professional program, the student should inform the Interior Design Office if they plan to enter the program or not within ten (10) days of receiving the letter.
If a student is admitted to the interior design program, they should:
- Complete an orange Permission of Department form for the required ID courses after the student receives their letter of acceptance. Forms are available in the Interior Design Office, room 402 of the Design Building
- Return the completed orange form to the Interior Design Office so the student can register for the correct interior design courses
- Fill out the orange form for interior design courses only.
Qualified transfer students:
Transfer students who apply for upper level placement must be from a CIDA approved interior design program. If the student is seeking credit for design courses, they will need to submit a portfolio for evaluation and have an overall gpa of at least 2.75. If the student transfers from a two or three-year professional program, they will generally need to participate in the selective admission procedure. Credit earned from non-accredited programs may be accepted if it is equivalent to a similar course at LSU. All transfer students are accepted on a space-available basis.
Personal Computer Requirement:
After acceptance into the professional program (or the beginning of year two), students are required to have their own personal computer. Information may be obtained in Room 402 Design Building or on the computer requirements page of this site.
“D” Grades and Repetition of Courses:
Interior design majors must pass the following courses with a grade of “C” or better: (1) all required College of Art & Design courses and approved professional electives; and (2) English 1002, 1003, or 1005. A student who earns a “D” or “F” in a course in which a minimum grade of “C” is required must register for the course again in the next regular semester in which the student is enrolled and the course is offered.
English Proficiency:
To be certified as proficient in English, students must earn a grade of “C” or better in English 1002, 1003, 1005 (international students), or have the equivalent in transfer credit. Students whose grades are lower than “C” must repeat the course or earn a “C” or better in English 2002.
