By embarking on the journey in our Wood Design:Furniture Making Career Program, you are opening yourself up to many opportunities.

Successful participants of the 40-week program will graduate with a Professional Diploma in Wood Design.

The Wood Design program is eligible for GI Bill® and Veteran Readiness and Employment® (VR&E/VocRehab). Veterans click here for more info. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), a recognized institutional accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education.

The Wood Design Program takes students on a journey of discovery and mastery, immersing them in the art and craft of woodworking and furniture design. As they delve into the rich history of furniture design, students will learn to appreciate the beauty and versatility of wood while exploring sustainable and eco-friendly materials.

With a strong emphasis on form and function, the program teaches students the intricate art of joinery, shaping, and carving and the subtle techniques of surface treatments, finishes, and veneering. Students will develop their unique aesthetic and style, integrating natural materials and methods into their designs.

As they progress through the program, students will hone their creative and technical skills and learn the essential aspects of project management, entrepreneurship, and professional development. By the end of the program, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the woodworking and furniture design industry and be well-equipped to launch successful careers.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Technical Proficiency

2. Design Expertise

3. Material Knowledge

4. Safety and Workspace Management

5. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

6. Collaboration and Interpersonal Skills

7. Business and Entrepreneurial Competencies

8. Professional Portfolio Development

This page is dedicated to the full-time furniture program. More information can be found by scrolling down. For short-term furniture classes click here.

What is the difference between a Woodworking Degree and a Woodworking Diploma?

A degree in woodworking is awarded from a college or university. It would typically require several general education courses in subjects unrelated to woodworking.

A professional diploma in woodworking is awarded by a specialized school with the primary focus of woodworking. This approach allows students to focus on building more specific skills rather than spending time on general education.

SBWI is a specialized woodworking school.

Can anyone become a student?

Yes. Anyone, regardless of woodworking background or experience. We accept all levels from complete beginners to experienced professionals looking to further their education and resume.

Students of the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute come from all walks of life. They are veterans, high-school students & graduates, college students, professors, white collar professionals, farmers, all with diverse backgrounds.

Everyone has the common desire to learn new skills and become more self sufficient through the art of wood. Students of SBWI become life-long friends, sharing the unique experience of creating.

2025-2026 Tuition Cost: $15,110

• Enrollment Deposit $7,555 due upon acceptance.

• Final Payment: $7,555 due July 1st, 2025

*Debit/Credit Card Payments will be charged a 4% processing fee. The Processing Fee will be added to the payments.

Please note that students of the Wood Design: Furniture Making program are responsible for purchasing a set of hand tools from outside vendors. The total cost for these tools is roughly $3,694. The cost of the hand tools is in addition to the total cost of tuition.

Click Here to view the 2025-2026 Hand Tool List

*There are a limited number of tools available to be loaned to students and we highly encourage students to purchase their own tools using the list above so they can use them in their professional careers.

How To Apply

Step 1: Click the button below to complete the application for enrollment. There is no application fee and you are not committed to the program by filling out the application.

*Please note, we are unable to accept international students at this time.

Class of 2025-2026 Application is Now Open! (Class starts Aug 2025, Graduation is June, 2026)

Please click the button below to apply:

Step 2: Once we receive your application, we will contact you to schedule a school tour. We prefer in-person tours, but we can schedule a virtual remote tour if needed.

Step 3: On your tour day, we will need three items from you: a letter of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and your high school transcripts (or equivalent). If you attend virtually you will need to submit these materials via email to sambeaufordwoodshop@gmail.com.

Step 4: Upon acceptance, we will need the following items: signed enrollment agreement and tuition deposit (unless applicant is pre-approved for a payment plan or using VA benefits). If applicant is pre-approved for a payment plan, the signed loan agreement is also required upon acceptance.

Overview

Successful applicants will participate in a 40-week in-person program. The program starts on day 1 with basic measurement techniques. The curriculum gets progressively more challenging throughout the year as we cover advanced woodworking techniques including, but not limited to joinery, veneer, marquetry, carving, working with curves, bending wood to shape, and computer-aided design.

Safety

At the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, student safety is our highest priority. To ensure a secure learning environment, all SBWI staff members are fully certified in CPR and first aid through the American Red Cross, equipping them to respond effectively to medical emergencies. Additionally, our team has completed disaster preparedness training with FEMA, enhancing our readiness to handle various emergency situations with skill and confidence. With this commitment to safety, we strive to provide a safe, supportive space where students can focus on their craft, knowing they are in capable, well-prepared hands.

Business Courses

The Wood Design program includes business courses for artists in 12 distinct areas. The program was developed by Springboard for the Arts and is a valuable addition to your woodworking education.

• Career Planning

• Time Management

• Portfolio

• Marketing

• Promotions

• Pricing

• Record Keeping

• Legal

• Funding

• Grant Writing

• Business Plan Essentials

• Engaging Customers & Selling Your Work

These classes are taught by local professionals and SBWI staff members. They are also open to Wood Design alumni, so that past students can continue to grow their professional skills and networking. SBWI Members are also invited to attend these courses. We believe it is essential to build a community of artists and woodworkers that can all benefit from each other.

Class Dates & Times

Class of 2026: August 25, 2025 - May 30, 2026

Class Times:

Cohort 1 Monday & Wednesday 10am-4pm

Cohort 2 Tuesday & Thursday 10am-4pm

GLT: Guided Laboratory Time (Studio Hours):

Monday - Thursday: 8am - 10am, 4pm - 7pm

Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 8am - 7pm

40 Weeks (24 clock hours per week)

• Classroom and Lab Hours

  • Guided Laboratory Time (GLT) or Studio Hours are logged every day. Weekends are available as well for GLT. There are sometimes other classes scheduled on the weekends, but students are allowed to use the wood shop as long as there is no space conflicts.

  • GLT is guided by SBWI Instructors for the course and SBWI Staff. Staff and Instructors are there to answer questions, provide guidance and also offer advice to students on their current or upcoming projects and coursework.

Academic Calendar

Class of 2026

8/25/2025 School Year Begins

9/1/2025 SBWI is Open on Labor Day

9/26/2025 Refund Period Ends

11/26/2025 Thanksgiving Break Starts (Lab Time Only)

SBWI Closed on Thanksgiving Day (No Lab Time)

12/1/2025 Thanksgiving Break Ends

12/19/2025 Holiday Break Starts (Lab Time Only)

SBWI Closed on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day (No Lab Time)

1/6/2026 Holiday Break Ends

2/27/2026 Spring Break Starts (Lab Time Only)

3/9/2026 Spring Break Ends

5/25/2026 Last Week of Class

Final Projects Due

SBWI is Open on Memorial Day

5/30/2026 Graduation

Holidays Observed: SBWI will be closed on the following holidays:

Thanksgiving

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

Careers

Indeed & Payscale Average Salary for Woodworkers

Salary for Industry: Woodworking & Carpentry $51,822 - $54,206

• Furniture Design & Building Business Owners

• Furniture Building Small Business Owner

• Design Manager, Product Engineer

• Prototype Design Maker

• Project Managers

• Woodworking Teacher

• Kitchen Design, Cabinetry Manager

• Furniture Restoration & Wood Design Manager

• Finish Carpenter

Q&A

Frequently asked questions

Question: Is there on-campus housing?

Answer: We do not have on-campus housing, but we are located in Adrian which is home to 3 other small colleges. There are many rental apartments and houses available. We also have a list of students looking for a roommate if you would like that type of setup.

Question: Do I need to purchase my own wood, books, software, or tools?

Answer: SBWI provides wood and other supplies needed for each project. Projects that require hardware have a hardware allowance. Tuition includes a 1 year subscription to SketchUp. Students do not need to purchase books, as all materials for the class are available in the student portal. There is a Hand Tool List which each student is required to purchase before the beginning of class. The tools do not have to be the exact brand on the list, but they do need to be high quality. So if you already have a Stanley or Lee Valley hand plane, that is completely fine. If you order from Lie-Nielsen, make sure to tell them you are a SBWI student to receive a discount. The hand tools are property of the student.

Question: Can I apply for student loans?

Answer: Student loans are not available for this program, but our students have used private loans in the past to offset tuition and living costs. We do accept GI Bill and Veteran Readiness and Employment funding, and we also have a Payment Plan option.

Question: Can I work full-time while I attend this program?

Answer: The program requires a minimum of 24 clock hours (on average) per week. This is made of 12 hours of classroom time, and 12 hours of lab time (working in the shop/research). It is an intensive program where you learn a lot in a short period of time. A part-time job is manageable, but a full-time job would be impossible.

Cancellation Policy

1. An applicant who has not visited the school prior to enrollment may cancel without penalty following either the regularly scheduled orientation procedures or following a tour of the school facilities and inspection of equipment where training and services are provided. Cancellation must be requested prior to or within the first week of the enrollment period.

2. An applicant requesting cancellation prior to or during the first week of the enrollment period is entitled to a refund of all monies paid.

3. In the event of an applicant requesting cancellation prior to or during the first week of the enrollment period, there is no registration fee retained by the School.

Refund Policy

An enrolled student who withdraws, is dismissed, or otherwise terminates their enrollment will be processed under the following policies:

1. An enrollment period is defined as an academic year which is ten months (40 weeks) long in Wood Design; therefore an enrollment period for that program is ten months (40 weeks).

2. SBWI uses the Date of Determination to calculate refunds. The Date of Determination is the date the student’s enrollment was terminated by the School, the date the School was notified by the student that they were withdrawing, or the date the student was determined by the School to be withdrawn due to absences. Money due to the applicant or student will be refunded within 60 (Sixty) days after the date of determination. Written notification of withdrawal from the student is not be required for refund payment.

3. In cases of prolonged illness, death in the family, or other circumstances that make it impractical to complete a program, the School will make a settlement reasonable and fair to both parties.

4. In the case of a student who completes academic requirements early and within 60% of an enrollment period, a prorated portion of the tuition for that period will be due, based on the time completed, rounded up to the nearest 10%. For early completion after 60% of the enrollment period, the entire period’s tuition will be due.

5. If enrollment is terminated, the student will owe tuition and fees based on the following schedule (amounts based off Class of 2025 pricing):

• Prior to or during the first week 0%

• During the second week 20% or $2,824.80

• During the third week 35% or $4,943.40

• During the fourth week 50% or $7,062.00

• During the fifth week 70% or $9,886.80

• After the fifth week 100% or $14,124.00