School and Ranking Information
Only four schools offer programs in interior design within 100 miles of Jacksonville, FL. All four are 4-year, public institutions. Of those, the following school is the top pick for interior design in the area, based on rankings, number of programs available, and tuition costs.
- Winner: Located 60 miles southwest of Jacksonville in Gainesville, Florida, the University of Florida is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state. The Department of Interior Design offers a Bachelor of Interior Design, a Master of Interior Design and a Doctor of Philosophy in Design, Construction and Planning.
School Info Chart
| Category | University of Florida |
|---|---|
| Rankings | Tied for #28 in National Universities (2022); tied for #5 in Top Public Schools (2022)* |
| Location | Gainesville, FL |
| School Type | 4-year; public |
| Tuition & Fees (2021-2022) | Undergrad: $6,381 (in-state); $28,659 (out-of-state)* |
| Interior Design Degrees Offered | Bachelor's; Master's |
| Interior Design Degrees Awarded (all levels) in 2020-2021 | 28** |
| Most Popular Interior Design Degree Level in 2020-2021 | Bachelor's (25 awarded)** |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rate (in 150% of normal degree time) for 2015 Entering Class | 91%** |
| Noteworthy | Interior design program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA)*** |
Sources: *U.S. News and World Report, **NCES College Navigator, ***University of Florida
University of Florida
- Undergraduate students have the option of participating in a 4+1 option that allows them to earn a Master of Interior Design along with the bachelor's degree
- Master's-level students can choose from four different degree tracks, based on their undergraduate field of study
- Doctoral students are required to teach courses and have the option of completing a professional internship with a design firm
The University of Florida (UF) has a student population of more than 55,000, making it one of the largest schools in the state. Housed in the College of Design, Construction and Planning, the university's Department of Interior Design allows students to specialize in areas such as sustainability and historic preservation. The department conducts trips throughout the country to allow students to gain first-hand field experiences. It offers both undergraduate and graduate programs.
The Bachelor of Design in Interior Design program teaches students the basics of architectural design, the history of interior design and design concepts. Students also learn AutoCAD and other computer design applications, along with furniture design and professional practices.
Through the Master of Interior Design (MID) program, students engage in research and design practices regarding user needs and the resulting design. Students also study historic preservation, lighting, corporate design, educational settings and other topics of their choosing.
Students in the Doctor of Philosophy in Design, Construction and Planning degree program learn about urban development, construction and building systems. To complete the degree, students must give a dissertation to a three- to five-member group of faculty.
