Cleveland Schools with Interior Design Programs
Aspiring interior designers can find training options at schools that are all less than an hour's drive from downtown Cleveland. Read about three institutions' degree requirements and coursework, and then review the table that follows to get stats about each school.
- Cuyahoga Community College District offers an associate degree program in interior design that readies students for entry-level employment in manufacturing firms, showrooms, architectural firms or interior design studios. The campus is less than a mile from central Cleveland.
- Students who're seeking a bachelor's degree can find an appropriate program at the Cleveland Institute of Art. This school is less than five miles from the center of the city and it shares a campus with the Cleveland Institute of Music and Case Western Reserve University.
- Those interested in a big college campus experience and still want a bachelor's degree in interior design may want to consider Kent State University at Kent. Although it is located outside of the immediate Cleveland area, the school is still only about 30 miles from the downtown area.
Comparison of Schools
Take a look at this table to get additional info about each of the three schools, including details on costs, school types and acceptance rates.
| Cuyahoga Community College District | Cleveland Institute of Art | Kent State University at Kent | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | Community college; public | 4-year College; private not-for-profit | 4-year University; public |
| Total Enrollment (2021) | 17,523* | 580* | 26,597* |
| Campus Setting | Large city | Large city | Large suburb |
| Tuition & Fees (2021-2022) | $3,586 for in-district; $4,472 for in-state; $8,586 for out-of-state* | $45,495* | $11,934 for in-state; $20,810 for out-of-state* |
| % of First-Year Students Receive Some Form of Financial Aid (2020-2021) | 73%* | 100%* | 95%* |
| Acceptance Rate (2021) | N/A - Open admissions* | 66%* | 87%* |
| Retention Rate for Full-Time Beginning Undergraduates (2020-2021) | 59%* | 90%* | 81%* |
| Graduation Rate | 24% (Students began in 2018)* | 56% (Students began in 2015)* | 68% (Students began in 2015)* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator
Cuyahoga Community College District
Commercial and residential interiors are studied as part of the interior design program at Cuyahoga Community College District.
Associate of Applied Business in Interior Design
A total of 65 hours have to be completed to earn this degree. In the first semester of the program, students take some introductory classes on architectural drafting for interiors and interior design. Coursework in the second semester consists of color theory and application and visual design. Once students are into the final year of the program, the curriculum is made up of courses on lighting fundamentals, interior design materials and sources, architectural materials and methods, textiles and the history of interiors. Students also complete two studio classes on interior design along with a practicum and a professional practice course.
Cleveland Institute of Art
As a part of the student exhibition shows on campus, interior design students can show off their works and projects. Faculty members also work with local businesses to provide student work opportunities.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture
Functional and spatial design are emphasized in the interior design program at this school. Students can learn about computer-aided design (CAD), rendering, drawing and 3D modeling. These are all important aspects of the presentation methods used in interior design work. At the end of the program, an advanced course allows students the opportunity to work with a professional in the interior design industry. This class is meant to be a final review to prepare students for employment as interior designers.
Kent State University at Kent
The undergraduate interior design program at Kent State University at Kent has received accreditation from the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design
Students that typically enroll in this first professional degree program start off with an introductory course and studio. From there, students take additional classes that build on those foundations. The curriculum covers topics like design thinking, design and human behavior, methods and materials, space planning and human factors and integrated digital applications. Towards the middle of the program, the coursework then shifts over to issues like the history of interiors, standards and codes for interior practice, 3D rendering and modeling and detailing and fabrication. At the end of the program, students normally learn about current issues in interior design and community engagement. Finally, an internship in a professional setting is necessary for graduation.
