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The Department of Design was established to provide an administrative and academic framework for professional design training in the fields of Industrial Design, Interior Design, and Display/Exhibition Design. The degree programs that may be pursued are the Bachelor of Fine Arts, the Master of Arts, the Master of Fine Arts, and the Bachelor of Science, offered in the Industrial Design curriculum.
The faculty of the Design Department believe that an appropriate education for the professional designer must include a comprehensive body of technical knowledge. Such knowledge should include historical sources, tools, techniques, and materials, a methodology for encouraging the creative process, and the attainment of the requisite level of skill to express visual ideas with clarity. While being fully equipped to meet the objectives of the marketplace, today’s designer must also achieve sufficient educational breadth to adapt successfully to the varying demands imposed on design work by economic, social, and psychological factors.
The academic programs of the Department of Design have been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (National Association of Schools of Art and Design, 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, VA 20190, phone: 703-437-0700).
The admission process for the CSULB Design department is similar to those applying to other departments at CSULB. There is no portfolio requirement for admissions. Interior Design and Industrial Design are not considered “impacted” majors.
Admission criteria for freshmen applicants are not based on the major they declared on the application. If offered admission, freshmen interested in impacted majors will be admitted to a “pre-major.”
All transfer applicants are required to apply by the deadline, meet general University admission requirements, and apply to a specific major.
SPECIAL NOTE FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS: You will be required to have completed sixty (60) transferable units to be considered for admission to the CSU as an “upper-division” transfer student.
For additional information on admissions please visit the enrollment pages of the CSULB website: http://www.csulb.edu/depts/enrollment/admissions/index.html
If you have not applied or have not been admitted to CSULB, you may be able to take classes through University College and Extension Services (UCES) if space is available. You will receive academic credit for the classes you take, but attending classes through this Open University program does not constitute admission to CSULB. A maximum of 24 units taken through Open University prior to your term of admission may be applied to a degree program.
http://www.csulb.edu/depts/enrollment/admissions/uces.html
Grants are available on the basis of financial need and do not have to be repaid. Sources of grant funds are the Federal Government, California Student Aid Commission, and CSULB. Grants are awarded to students who demonstrate the greatest financial need.Loans are funds that you must repay. Most loans are based on financial need and are federally funded. Types of loans include Federal Perkins Loan, Stafford Loans, and Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS).Scholarships are private monies that are made available to students from various local community groups and corporate donors. You do not have to repay scholarships. Each scholarship usually requires a separate application.Federal Work-Study is a federally funded program that provides employment opportunities to students with the highest financial need. Placement is limitedFor more information on Financial Aid: http://www.csulb.edu/depts/enrollment/financial_aid/index.htm
The following scholarships are available to Design students. All of them are based on competitive portfolio reviews.
The Dramatic Allied Arts Guild Scholarship – $2,000 is awarded in April each year. Scholarship competition is open to all sophomore, junior, and senior majors in design who are carrying 12 units or more and who will be enrolled at CSULB during the next academic year. The duration of the scholarship is one academic year. The recipient will be awarded $1,000 each semester. Continuous enrollment and satisfactory performance are required to keep the scholarship in effect.
The Fine Arts Affiliates Scholarships – Two $1,200 scholarships are awarded in April each year. All full-time continuing undergraduate design majors are eligible. Recipients must be enrolled for at least 12 units per semester. Satisfactory performance is required to keep the scholarship in effect. After registration is confirmed, half of the scholarship will be available in the Fall semester and the second half in the Spring semester.
The Duncan Anderson Memorial Scholarship – Two $3,000 Scholarships are awarded each academic year for Industrial Design students. Recipients are selected by Industrial Design faculty at program portfolio review in April for students entering the Junior ID Class.
The Dan Lucas Memorial Scholarship – $500 Award to a graduating senior in Industrial Design. Selected from the graduating senior class by Industrial Design Faculty.
Hopalong Hubert Memorial Scholarship (Interior Architectural Design) – $500 award. Interior Architectural Design students are eligible, but can receive it one time only. Recipient is selected by Interior Design faculty at program portfolio review in April for a student entering the Junior Interior Architectural Design Class.
The Richard and Johanna Baker Arts Scholarship – Multiple (4-6) individual scholarships of $2500 - $3000 are awarded each year to students within the College of the Arts. Scholarships are given only to students who are planning to pursue careers or professions in the visual or performing arts. Selection is based upon an application by the student, with accompanying letter(s) of recommendation and a supporting portfolio. GPA of 3.0 or better is required.
Network of Women in Hospitality (NEWH) – Awards range from $1,000-$3,000 and are offered each spring semester (in April) to Interior Architectural Design Students. Applications are available in the Design Department Office, but are administered directly by NEWH. Amounts of the awards vary according to placement in their competition. 3.0 GPA required, and completion of at least half of the requirements of a bachelor degree in design related to the hospitality industry. Based on financial need.
Other scholarships and awards: From time to time other organizations in the professional community offer awards to design students. These are advertised through the Design Department Office and by the design faculty when they are made known to the department.
Dorothy J. Ottolia, AIA
Design Department Chair
dottolia@csulb.edu
MArch, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
BFA in Interior Design, California State University, Long Beach
Professor Ottolia is a California-licensed architect and a principal of Ottolia and Barnes Architecture, an award winning architecture and interior design firm, located in the South Bay. She has been practicing in the profession since 1984 and teaching at CSULB since 1999. Her professional experience includes residential estates, historical renovations, international corporate headquarters, financial institutions, restaurants, health and exercise facilities and exquisite hotel resorts in the United States and Asia.
Mamdouh Fayek, CID, IIDA, MFA
(562) 985-7765
fayekm@csulb.edu
He has been teaching at CSULB since 1983. Some of his publications include: Positioning People in Space, 1994, Design Concept and Function as a Criticism Framework for Retail Space- Journal of Interior Design, and Several book and Video reviews in the Journal of Interior Design. He received his Master of Fine Arts Interior Design from California State University, Long Beach and his BFA, Interior Design, Cairo, Egypt.
Jose Rivera-Chang, MA
(562) 985-2595
jriverac@csulb.edu
Assistant Professor Jose Rivera-Chang earned his MA degree from Ohio State University. Before joining CSULB, he was a collaborative project coordinator at Exatec LLC in Wixom, Michigan and a collaborator for firms in San Diego and South America (Dzine, ORLC). His, as well as his students works have received numerous international design competition awards and recognition in both Asia and Europe (LG Electronics, Samsung, Braun, Fujitsu, Opus, Genius among others.)
David Teubner, BS
(562) 985-7767
tooby@csulb.edu
David Teubner received his BS degree from CSULB. He has worked in both advertising and marketing as a graphic designer and illustrator. He has been a political cartoonist and has illustrated a syndicated cartoon strip. He is a filmmaker and videographer and has directed and edited industrial and educational films. He has written screenplays and designed sets and props for motion pictures.
Dorothy J. Ottolia, AIA, MArch
(562) 985-7764
dottolia@csulb.edu
Professor Ottolia is a California-licensed architect and a principal of Ottolia and Barnes Architecture, an award winning architecture and interior design firm, located in the South Bay. She has been practicing in the profession since 1984 and teaching at CSULB since 1999. Her professional experience includes residential estates, historical renovations, international corporate headquarters, financial institutions, restaurants, health and exercise facilities and exquisite hotel resorts in the United States and Asia. She is an Assistant Professor and the Director of Interior Design at CSULB.
Khoi Vo, MArch
(562) 985-4374
kvo@csulb.edu
Professor Vo is the founder and principal of Studio Four, a multi-disciplinary design firm located in Long Beach. His professional experience includes residential, commercial and institutional design. Along with architectural designs, Studio Four creates “everyday-objects” for retailers in Los Angeles, San Diego, and New York.
Jerry W. Yates, MS Art
(562) 985-7903
yatesassoc@yahoo.com
Professor Yates is a California-licensed architect and a principal of Yates Associates, located in Long Beach. He has been practicing in the profession since 1976 and teaching at CSULB since 1974. his professional experience includes residential, corporate offices and restaurants.
Matias Ocana, BS
(562) 985-5737
mocana@csulb.edu
Lecturer of Industrial Design Matias Ocana is a former Model maker of Hauser Inc. Industrial Design. He is a Model Maker with modeling experience for consumer products and Medical devices. He also has experience in modeling for aerospace and architectural projects. Currently he is consulting for numerous Industrial Design firms. Some of his awards include: IDEA and Hannover for various projects.
Krai Charuwatsuntorn, MArch
hadjim@aol.com
He has been teaching Computer Aided Design-3D Modeling, at CSULB since 2002. Professionally he has been working in the field of 3D graphics and animation for the past 5 years. Since then, he has been exploring new computer lighting techniques for many prestigious clients, ranging from Richard Meirer Architects to the Ford Motor Company. His work has been published in Architectural Record, The Digital Unbuilt and many others. He is currently the 3D Visualization Director for Standard, located in Downtown Los Angeles.
Neil L. Pappone, CID
n.pappone@interiorarchitects.com
He has teaching Professional Practice and Lighting Design at CSULB since 2000. Mr. Pappone has 22 years of experience in project management, design, owner representation and operational team leadership in the commercial architectural and interior design industry. He has planned over three million square feet of commercial, retail, technical and corporate spaces in both domestic and international markets. He is a Principal with Interior Architects (IA), a global design firm located in Costa Mesa.
Sandamal Silva, BS
Sandamal.silva@gpj.com
He has been teaching Display and Exhibition Design at CSULB since 2002. Mr. Sliva has been practicing as an Exhibit Designer since 1991. His National and International work include designs for Johnson and Johnson, Merck, Samsung, Kaiser Permanente, Hewlett Packard, Lexus , Acura and the Titanic Traveling Museum. He is currently working as a Senior Project Designer at George P. Johnson Co., Torrance.
The Design Department is located on the east side of the CSULB campus. Its main building houses an impressive array of design studios, computer labs and dedicated model shops.
Our student design studios are considered among the best in the nation. Each junior and senior student works in their own cubicle equipped with all the amenities and a 24/7 access.
Each one of the 4 model shops is specialized in one specific area: Wood, Metal, Foam-Plastics and Interior Design. Starting in Fall 2004, a new CNC equipment for Rapid Prototyping is part of our impressive array of machines.
Our state-of-the-art computer labs house 24 PC workstations with the latest software for 2D/3D CAD development and computer imagery. The softwares used are Alias Studio Tools, 3D Studio Max, Cobalt, Photoshop, Illustrator, AutoCAD and IronCAD among others. Students also have access to two 44-inch Epson Plotters for development of high quality full-size graphics.
The faculty of Design believe that an appropriate education for the professional designer must include a comprehensive body of technical knowledge involving historical sources, tools, techniques, and materials; a methodology for encouraging the creative process; and the attainment of the requisite level of skill to express visual ideas with clarity. While being fully equipped to meet the objectives of the marketplace, today’s designer must also achieve sufficient educational breadth to adapt successfully to the varying demands imposed on his/her work by economic, social and psychological factors.The Bachelor of Science degree program in Industrial Design, comprised of 132 semester units, prepares designers whose professional function will be to help shape the products and systems produced by industrial processes. The curriculum includes studies in rapid visualization, aesthetics, materials and processes, presentation techniques, design methodology, product development, human factors, product costing, and financing principles.The Industrial Design program has an international reputation, attracting a substantial number of foreign undergraduate and graduate students, including exchange students and Fulbright Scholars.Students often have an opportunity to work directly with industry through internships or as team members on grant projects. Participating companies have included Oakley, Xerox, Unisys, General Electric, Hewlett Packard, NCR, Apple, Chrysler, General Motors, Hitachi, Toyota, Kawasaki, InFocus, Compaq and Nike.Graduates have found positions in a wide variety of industries, including motion picture special effects, medical and dental equipment, computer and microchip technology, small appliances, and air, water and land transportation.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design is comprised of 132 semester units. The program provides a framework within which students can fully immerse themselves in a critical examination of the social, cultural, and environmental awareness while giving visual form to their investigations.
The Program has an international reputation, attracting a substantial number of foreign undergraduate students. It supports opportunities for employment in the practice of Interior Design; in addition it helps prepare those who are interested in continuing on with a Masters degree or wish to pursue teaching.
A diverse curriculum of lecture and studio courses develops the student's cognitive ability to analyze design challenges of a complex nature. Issues of graphic communication, project analysis, programming, space planning, design and selection of interior components are presented in a logical sequence. Instruction emphasizes the three-dimensional possibilities of sculpting interior space, from conceptual ideas. The courses include lectures, demonstrations, and critiques of works-in-progress. Professional designers and educators from outside the department visit regularly to lecture and review student projects.
The program 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.
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. More than 95 percent of those who complete the Program are actively at work in the profession.
Prior to admittance into Junior and Senior studio courses, all students who wish to enter the CSULB Interior Design program must complete a portfolio review. The portfolio review is a competitive review process. The portfolio is a document that includes work created in the first and second years of Pre-Design at California State University, Long Beach. Please see Interior Design flow chart and the CSULB catalog for specific class requirements and descriptions.
The Interior Design faculty is committed to bringing the highest quality educational experiences to the students. Changes in educational methods and changes in the professional practice of interior architecture have made it necessary for all students to have a personal computer in the upper division design studios. to enable students to learn effectively and implement ideas using digital technology, all students who successfully complete the portfolio review process will be required to have a personal computer.
The department academic facilities provide dedicated and secure studio environments. These studios are available twenty-four hours a day to all students in third and fourth year design studios. Each designated workstation has necessary computer workstation hookups, including Ethernet hookup through the CSULB server. In addition, several dedicated studios and design laboratories are provided for student use. These up to date, well equipped facilities include: a Multimedia lab with PC and Mac workstations with oversized printing capabilities, a Metal/Plastic and Wood shop (including a CNC machine for precise computer generated models) and a three Materials Resource libraries.
For a complete listing of Design courses: http://www.csulb.edu/divisions/aa/catalog/07-08/depts/desn/desn_courses.html
The Department of Design is currently addressing significant issues about the future direction of its graduate programs. The Department thinks it is inappropriate to admit new students during this period of review. Therefore this year we are not accepting graduate applications, and are deferring all graduate admissions until further notice.
In cases of students who have had little or no background in Design, we usually recommend applying for a second Bachelor's degree. However, at this time CSULB is also not accepting applicants who are seeking a second degree. We recognize that this is a great disappointment to many applicants, as it is to our department. It is the price we pay for being such a sought-after university.
Design Department Chair
Dorothy Ottolia
dottolia@csulb.edu
(562) 985 7293
Administrative Coordinator
Allison Ohanian
aohanian@csulb.edu
(562) 985 5313
Industrial Design Program Main Advisor
Jose Rivera-Chang
jriverac@csulb.edu
(562) 985 2595
Interior Design Program Main Advisor
Khoi Vo
kvo@csulb.edu
(562) 985 4374
General Design Program Main Advisor
Eduardo Perez
eperez2@csulb.edu
(562) 985 1733
Design Department Fax Number
(562) 985 2284
Design Department Address
CSULB - Design
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach CA 90840
Please direct all inquiries to: design@csulb.edu
Prospective Students
1: I would like to apply to the Industrial Design program as a transfer student. What are the requirements? What is the minimum number of credits/units required for transfer students? Is a portfolio required?
A: For Freshman applicants, students must first meet the CSULB admission requirements. For complete information regarding admissions for transfer students, please contact Admissions. (click on Admissions and follow the link that corresponds to you)
For upper division transfers, students must first meet the CSULB admission requirements. The minimum number is 60 semester units or 90 quarter units completed before your admission. For complete information regarding admissions for transfer students, please contact Admissions. (click on Admissions and follow the link that corresponds to you)
There is no Portfolio requirement for admissions as a freshman or transfer student. After admission, all students in Design majors must complete the lower division design requirements which are listed on the Industrial Design flowchart, then pass the portfolio review before acceptance into the Junior studio classes. Admission as an upper-division transfer student does not constitute admission into the upper-division design studios. Since most other schools do not offer a good many of the lower division design courses that we require, transfer students must make up their deficiencies before they are eligible for the portfolio review. For specific advisement on transferrability of design courses taken in other schools, you must contact the major advisers listed on the Industrial Design flowchart.
2. What is the Portfolio Review?
A: Portfolio Review is held in the beginning of the Spring semester. Students must first 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) and a Portfolio Review application, available and due in late Fall before the review.
3. I would like to pursue a second bachelor degree or master degree at CSULB. What are the requirements?
A: Unfortunately, the Industrial Design program is not accepting second bachelor degree applicants nor master degree applicants at this time. For complete information regarding other CSULB second bachelor degree programs, please refer to Admissions' Post-Baccalaureate section.
4. Is there financial aid available? Are there any scholarships/fellowships?
A: For complete financial aid information, please contact Financial Aid These scholarships are available to CSULB students:
The Dramatic Allied Arts Guild Scholarship of $2000
The Fine Arts Affiliates Scholarships - two of $1200 each
The Duncan Anderson Memorial Scholarship of $3000
The Dan Lucas Memorial Award to a graduating senior in Industrial Design
5. I am a foreign student/graduate. I would like to study Industrial Design at CSULB. What can I do?
A: For complete information regarding international students, please refer to CSU Mentor's International Student section. Financial Aid is not available to foreign students. For information regarding tuition costs for international students, please refer to Registration Fees (see non-residents section).
6. I would like to take some courses but I don't want to be enrolled in the bachelor's program.
A: You can apply to the Open University program. Available classroom seats are limited through this program. Most of the courses available are freshmen and sophomore courses. For complete information, please contact UCES, University College and Extension Services.
1. I recently transferred to the ID program. What courses do I need to take?
A: Please take the courses specified in the 5-year Industrial Design flow chart or schedule an appointment with our ID program advisor, Jose Rivera-Chang, Charles Leinbach, or David Teubner. You don't need to take again courses that were automatically transferred (please review your Transfer Credit Summary Report available at MYCSULB or Enrollment Services at Brotman Hall).
2. How do I read the Industrial Design flowchart?
A: 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.
3. What is the Portfolio Review?
A: Portfolio Review is held in the beginning of the Spring semester. Students must first 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) and a Portfolio Review application, available and due in late Fall before the review.
4. Some of the design courses I took in my other school didn't transfer, what can I do?
A: Please schedule an appointment with the ID program advisor, Jose Rivera-Chang, Charles Leinbach, or David Teubner. For the day of the appointment, you need to bring:
A copy of Transfer Credit Summary Report available at MYCSULB or Enrollment Services.
A copy of the unofficial transcript from the other school.
Your original portfolio, if you have one.
5. Are there any internships / sponsorships available in the Industrial Design Program?
A: The ID student projects are sponsored by some of the most prestigious institutions and corporations in the world. Internships and jobs are available to students on a competitive basis.
6. Is there any student travel / exchange program available?
A: Yes, Industrial Design students have access to exchange programs in Europe (usually during the summer) and travel across the country on fieldtrips to major design studios and corporations.
1: I am looking to hire interns / recent ID graduates. How can I post my information?
A: Please send an e-mail to J. Rivera (jriverac@csulb.edu) with an attachment containing all the necessary information regarding the position (contact info, required skills, etc). The info will be automatically forwarded to students and recent graduates.
2. I am looking to sponsor a student project or collaborate with the Industrial Design program at CSULB.
A: Please contact J. Rivera (jriverac@csulb.edu). If possible, please attach a MS Word document describing the type of project, objective, scope, timeline, etc.
3. I would like to make a donation to the CSULB Industrial Design Program.
A: For information, please contact J. Rivera (jriverac@csulb.edu).
1: I would like to apply to the Interior Design program as a transfer student. What are the requirements? What is the minimum number of credits/units required for transfer students? Is a portfolio required?
A: For Freshman applicants, students must first meet the CSULB admission requirements. For complete information regarding admissions for transfer students, please contact Admissions. (click on Admissions and follow the link that corresponds to you)
For upper division transfers, students must first meet the CSULB admission requirements. The minimum number is 60 semester units or 90 quarter units completed before your admission. For complete information regarding admissions for transfer students, please contact Admissions. (click on Admissions and follow the link that corresponds to you)
There is no Portfolio requirement for admissions as a freshman or transfer student. After admission, all students in Design majors must complete the lower division design requirements which are listed on the Interior Design flowchart, then pass the portfolio review before acceptance into the Junior studio classes. Admission as an upper-division transfer student does not constitute admission into the upper-division design studios. Since most other schools do not offer a good many of the lower division design courses that we require, transfer students must make up their deficiencies before they are eligible for the portfolio review. For specific advisement on transferrability of design courses taken in other schools, you must contact the major advisers listed on the Interior Design flowchart.
2. How do I read the Interior Design flowchart?
A: The flowchart provides a guideline for students in planning their design course schedule. The flowchart is broken down into 4 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.
3. What is the Portfolio Review?
A: Portfolio Review is held in the beginning of the Spring semester. Students must first 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) and a Portfolio Review application, available and due in late Fall before the review.
4: I have taken design classes at another college, how can I determine if these classes will transfer to the Interior Design Program at CSULB?
A: There is no need for you to take all of the courses in our Program if you have completed some courses that offered the same content at another institution. Similarly, if you have work experience that makes some of our courses superfluous for your situation, you may substitute others. Please examine our policy outline below to see if you qualify. Transfer Credit may be given for classes that are determined to be equal to classes in the CSULB IA Program and meet the university requirements (colleges which articulate with CSULB). Valid transcripts and examples of work completed are required as proof of completion of courses. Professional experience or classes, which do not meet the university standards, may be waived solely at the discretion of the Program Advisors and as directed by the Program Director. Examples of work completed are required.
If you feel you qualify, please call (562) 985-5089 to make an appointment with a Program Advisor. For Transfer Credit you must bring course descriptions with you at the time of your appointment. These are usually best obtained from the catalog from the other institution(s) and can sometimes be found online. Examples of your work also are helpful.
5. Is the Program accredited?
A: Yes, the Program 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.
6. What is the NCIDQ exam? Why should I take it?
A: The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam is the certification or licensing 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 or licensure can also engender reciprocity to allow practice in other states.
7. Will the degree I receive count for credit towards taking the NCIDQ exam?
A: 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.
8. What do the majority of graduates do after they graduate?
A: More than 95 percent of those who complete the Program are actively at work in the profession. Since our program is commercially based, all of the most recognized design firms in Los Angeles and Orange County have our alumni working with them. Other alumni have chosen to pursue a Masters degree.
9. What are the General Education Requirements?
A: The advisors in our Program do not advise on GE requirements. Please contact Academic Advising for questions concerning GE requirements.
10. Are courses offered during the evening or only during the day?
A: 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.
11. How many courses should I take each semester?
A: 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
12. How do I know which courses to take?
A: Simply follow the sequence of courses outlined in the Interior Design flow chart. Also for further information review CSULB catalog (published each year) and course schedule (published each semester).
10. What if I'm interested only in residential or only in commercial design?
A: 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.