B.S. in Interior Design

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: US$70

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 75% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 61 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 95.

California State University, Northridge (CSUN), is supporting international students in their pursuit of higher education. The university offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help alleviate the financial burden of studying in the United States. 

International Achievement Scholarship: CSUN's International Achievement Scholarship is designed to recognize and reward outstanding academic achievement. Eligibility is based on academic excellence, and recipients can receive up to $5,000 per academic year.

The Dream US Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically aimed at undocumented students, including those with DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status. It provides financial support to help cover tuition and other educational expenses.

Intensive English Program (IEP) Scholarships: CSUN offers scholarships to international students who enroll in the Intensive English Program (IEP). These scholarships are awarded based on merit and help students improve their English language skills.

Privately Funded Scholarships: CSUN administers several privately funded scholarships that are available to international students. These scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria related to academic major, community involvement, or other factors.

Study Abroad Scholarships: CSUN encourages international students to participate in study abroad programs. The university offers scholarships to help offset the costs associated with studying abroad, including program fees and travel expenses.

External Scholarships: CSUN also assists international students in identifying external scholarship opportunities. These scholarships may be offered by government agencies, foundations, and international organizations.

Athletics Scholarships: CSUN has a competitive NCAA Division I athletics program. Talented international student-athletes may be eligible for athletics scholarships based on their sports achievements.

Cultural Scholarships: Some cultural organizations and clubs on campus may offer scholarships to international students who are actively engaged in promoting and celebrating their cultures.

Graduates of the B.S. in Interior Design program at California State University - Northridge are well-prepared to embark on diverse and dynamic career paths within the field of interior design. The program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in various professional roles. 

Interior Designer: Interior Designers create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that enhance the quality of life for occupants. They work on a range of projects, including residential, commercial, and institutional interiors. Their responsibilities include space planning, selecting materials and furnishings, and ensuring that design solutions meet client needs and adhere to building codes and regulations.

Design Consultant: Design Consultants offer specialized advice on interior design projects. They provide clients with expert recommendations on design concepts, color schemes, furniture selections, and spatial arrangements. This role involves working closely with clients to understand their preferences and deliver tailored design solutions that align with their vision and budget.

Commercial Interior Designer: Commercial Interior Designers focus on designing interior spaces for businesses and public institutions. They work on projects such as office buildings, retail stores, hotels, and healthcare facilities. This role requires an understanding of how to create functional and visually appealing spaces that also meet the needs of commercial clients and comply with industry standards.

Residential Interior Designer: Residential Interior Designers specialize in designing private living spaces, including homes, apartments, and vacation properties. They work to create comfortable and personalized environments that reflect the client’s lifestyle and preferences. This role involves collaborating with clients to select furnishings, finishes, and layout options that enhance the home’s aesthetic and functionality.

Furniture Designer: Furniture Designers develop innovative and functional furniture pieces for various interior settings. They focus on creating designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical, considering factors such as ergonomics, materials, and construction techniques. This role involves sketching designs, creating prototypes, and working with manufacturers to bring furniture concepts to life.

Set Designer: Set Designers work in the entertainment industry, creating interior settings for film, television, theater, and other productions. They design and construct sets that align with the production’s artistic vision and contribute to the storytelling process. This role involves collaborating with directors, producers, and other creative professionals to create immersive and effective environments.

Lighting Designer: Lighting Designers specialize in planning and implementing lighting solutions for interior spaces. They work to enhance the visual appeal and functionality of a space through strategic lighting design. This role includes selecting lighting fixtures, creating lighting plans, and addressing factors such as ambiance, energy efficiency, and task lighting.

Sustainable Design Specialist: Sustainable Design Specialists focus on creating eco-friendly and energy-efficient interior environments. They incorporate sustainable materials, energy-saving technologies, and environmentally responsible practices into their design projects. This role involves staying current with green building standards and promoting sustainability in interior design.

Design Project Manager: Design Project Managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of interior design projects. They coordinate with clients, contractors, and design teams to ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the client’s satisfaction. This role requires strong organizational and leadership skills, as well as expertise in project management.

Retail Space Planner: Retail Space Planners design and arrange retail environments to optimize customer experience and sales performance. They focus on layout, merchandising, and visual presentation to create engaging and effective shopping environments. This role involves analyzing consumer behavior, developing store layouts, and collaborating with retail clients to enhance their brand presence.