Southern Miss Interior Design Program Earns CIDA Accreditation

Tue,
05/27/2025 – 09:00am | By: Ivonne Kawas

The University of Southern Mississippi’s Interior Design program has earned accreditation
from the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), demonstrating its commitment
to preparing graduates who are ready for life. The Bachelor of Science program has
been awarded accreditation for a full term of six years, valid through 2031.

“The recent accreditation by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation is a significant
milestone for the Interior Design program at Southern Miss,” said Dr. Emre Bayraktar,
director of the School of Construction and Design. “It reaffirms the high standards
of our curriculum, the dedication of our faculty, and our commitment to preparing
students for successful careers. Our graduates are leaving Southern Miss with a degree
that meets rigorous national standards and aligns with the expectations of today’s
design industry.”

Bayraktar highlighted that achieving the accreditation was the result of a collaborative
and focused effort.

“Over the past two years, our faculty have worked together to strengthen course content,
enhance project-based learning, and ensure continuous alignment with CIDA’s expectations.
We’ve also upgraded our teaching tools, invested in new technology, and expanded partnerships
with industry professionals to provide students with real-world learning opportunities,”
he said.

For students, CIDA accreditation is a testament to the strength of their education
and the preparation it provides. Tatum Hansen, a Madison, Miss., native who recently
graduated, reflected on how the program shaped her experience.

“Throughout my time at Southern Miss, I had the opportunity to complete internships
with both McCarty Architects and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Interior Design
program’s CIDA-accredited curriculum prepared me with a strong foundation in technical
skills and design standards, while real-world projects with industry professionals
helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice,” said
Hansen.

“That preparation gave me the confidence to make meaningful contributions during my
internships and helped me stand out—ultimately leading to a full-time role with the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after graduation,” she continued. “Knowing my degree
meets the highest standards gives me added confidence as I begin my career in interior
design.”

The Interior Design program at Southern Miss provides students with the opportunity
to design innovative, functional spaces that meet real-world challenges across residential,
commercial, healthcare and hospitality settings. Through community projects, strong
industry partnerships, and immersive experiences like the annual showhouse, students
apply their learning in hands-on, meaningful ways.

“What truly sets Southern Miss Interior Design apart is our student-centered approach,
small class sizes, and strong studio culture,” said Bayraktar. “From their very first
semester, students are immersed in hands-on, studio-based coursework and community-engaged
projects that encourage creativity, critical thinking and professional growth.”

Dr. Chris Winstead, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, emphasized the pride
Southern Miss takes in the program’s excellence and recent recognition

“Each year, we are privileged to witness the outstanding work of our Interior Design
students. From senior projects to the annual showhouse, we remain continually impressed
by their achievements and by the exceptional leadership of our Interior Design faculty.
The recent accreditation further affirms the superior quality of our program among
institutions nationwide.”

As part of CIDA’s ongoing review process, the program will submit a progress report
in three years and is scheduled for its next full re-accreditation review in 2031.

Interested in the world of interior design? Learn more about the Interior Design program at Southern Miss and flip through our brochure.