High Point University Interior Design Program Receives Accreditation

Furniture World Magazine

The interior design program at High Point University recently received accreditation from the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (formerly FIDER). "This is great news for High Point," said Dr. Dennis Carroll, vice president and dean for academic affairs at HPU. "These advanced accreditations assist our graduates in obtaining employment in the most well-known organizations and firms. Advanced accreditations result from the university’s commitment to high levels of course rigor, excellent teaching and relevant curriculum." Achieving accreditation was a three-year process and included compiling a minimum of two-years worth of student work as well as a program analysis report submitted to the council, and an on-site visit from three professionals who examined facilities, interviewed students and faculty, and evaluated student work. "CIDA is the only organization that accredits interior design programs," said Dr. Elizabeth Dull, associate professor and interior design program coordinator, who oversaw the process. "It is quite a prestigious honor because the council standards are the same for every university whether it is small or large, public or private, nonprofit or profit." The Council for Interior Design Accreditation is an independent, nonprofit accrediting organization for interior design education programs at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. CIDA accreditation promotes achievement of high academic standards, while making education more responsive to student and societal needs. Nearly 150 interior design programs are currently accredited by the council, serving an estimated 20,000 students. The term of HPU's current accreditation is six years. "Having the highest accreditation in the field of interior design will greatly enhance the prestige of our program," said Dr. Richard Bennington, chair of the Department of Home Furnishings and Design. "It will assure prospective students that they will be getting the best quality of instruction possible.” The Department of Home Furnishings and Design at High Point University is unique in offering students a choice of two majors: home furnishings marketing or interior design. At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in a fun environment with caring people. HPU is a liberal arts institution with approximately 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 53 countries and 44 states at campuses in High Point and Winston-Salem. It is ranked by US News and World Report 15th among comprehensive universities in the South and in the top 100 nationally. The university offers 68 undergraduate majors, 33 minors and seven graduate-degree programs. It is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference.