Interior Design Degrees
Interior design degrees aim to provide students with the knowledge and proficiencies deemed essential for careers in residential and non-residential design, design technology, drafting, textiles and merchandising, and décor. Interior design majors are generally creative types who want to gain fundamental skills, such as attention to detail, effective problem-solving, and an aptitude for visual art and invention.
Colleges and universities typically offer interior design degree programs on campus, online, or in a hybrid learning environment of digital and in-person curriculums. Students enrolled in online interior design courses must have access to a computer and internet for video instruction, classroom forums, and email communication with their professors and peers.
Depending on their specialization, degree level of study, and credentialing, interior design majors are likely to find several career options available to them upon graduation. For example, graduates may decide to pursue careers as interior designers and drafters, and with additional experience or education take on roles as project managers, design directors, or interior design professors.
The Best Bachelor Degree Programs in Interior Design
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wentworth Institute of Technology | $34970 | 69% | 73% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 2 | Dunwoody College of Technology | $23096 | 97% | 50% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 3 | Mercyhurst University | $40170 | 86% | 68% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 4 | San Jose State University | $7852 | 64% | 64% | 73% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 5 | Fashion Institute of Technology | $7990 | 54% | 80% | 73% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 6 | Marymount University | $32850 | 81% | 58% | 98% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 7 | College for Creative Studies | $45815 | 44% | 70% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 8 | California College of the Arts | $51092 | 85% | 64% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 9 | Suffolk University | $40104 | 84% | 58% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 10 | Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus | $13354 | 93% | 56% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 11 | University of Wisconsin-Stout | $9463 | 91% | 60% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 12 | Maryville University of Saint Louis | $28470 | 83% | 71% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 13 | Pratt Institute-Main | $53824 | 56% | 70% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 14 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $11154 | 77% | 71% | 75% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 15 | Meredith College | $38620 | 65% | 66% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 16 | San Francisco State University | $7266 | 67% | 57% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 17 | Drexel University | $54516 | 75% | 69% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 18 | University of Kentucky | $12360 | 96% | 66% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 19 | The University of Texas at Austin | $10824 | 32% | 86% | 67% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 20 | Oregon State University | $11715 | 82% | 67% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 21 | Seattle Pacific University | $45078 | 91% | 68% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 22 | Western Michigan University | $13017 | 80% | 57% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 23 | Washington State University | $11841 | 76% | 60% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 24 | East Carolina University | $7238 | 79% | 66% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 25 | Iowa State University | $9320 | 92% | 74% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 26 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $13691 | 70% | 86% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 27 | North Dakota State University-Main Campus | $9619 | 94% | 60% | 90% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 28 | Texas Christian University | $49250 | 47% | 83% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 29 | Ohio State University-Main Campus | $11084 | 54% | 86% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 30 | Savannah College of Art and Design | $38075 | 96% | 70% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 31 | Kent State University at Kent | $10602 | 86% | 62% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 32 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $15027 | 57% | 83% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 33 | The New School | $50986 | 57% | 70% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 34 | University of Florida | $6381 | 37% | 88% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 35 | University of North Texas | $11044 | 74% | 56% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 36 | Indiana University-Purdue Global-Indianapolis | $9701 | 81% | 50% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 37 | Central Michigan University | $12833 | 70% | 61% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 38 | Auburn University | $11492 | 81% | 79% | 72% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 39 | Florida State University | $6517 | 36% | 83% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 40 | South Dakota State University | $9114 | 90% | 56% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 41 | Texas State University | $10581 | 81% | 54% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 42 | Georgia Southern University | $6463 | 54% | 50% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 43 | California State University-Long Beach | $6834 | 39% | 74% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 44 | The University of Alabama | $10780 | 83% | 71% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 45 | Columbus College of Art and Design | $36750 | 93% | 65% | 100% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 46 | Kean University | $12595 | 69% | 47% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 47 | High Point University | $36268 | 75% | 65% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 48 | Appalachian State University | $7409 | 77% | 73% | 70% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 49 | Samford University | $32850 | 83% | 76% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 50 | Adrian College | $37809 | 56% | 50% | 100% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
What Kinds of Interior Design Degrees Are There?
Students can obtain interior design degrees at every level of study (associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate). There are numerous certificate programs available in interior design topics, as well. We will explore these degrees in further detail below.
Associate Degrees in Interior Design
An associate degree in interior design typically delivers an introduction to various aspects of residential and non-residential design, project drafting, communication, and design technologies. Students enrolled in an associate interior design degree program have the potential to acquire professional skills that better prepare them for entry-level employment in the field; for example, they may work as drafters, design assistants, or set designers.
Associate degrees typically include about 60 credits of general education courses and interior design-focused electives, taking approximately two years to complete. Usually, associate interior design degrees are an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS).
Some programs also meet the academic eligibility requirements to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Examination. Upon graduation, students may choose to continue their education in a bachelor's interior design degree program.
Bachelor's Degrees in Interior Design
A bachelor's degree in interior design provides an intensive study of design theory, including the artistic, aesthetic, technical, and social facets of design, utilized for creating functional living spaces. Bachelor's-level curriculums typically address key design elements, such as structure and layout, décor style, and computer technology, preparing students for interior design careers in residential, commercial, healthcare, and government settings.
Many interior design programs offer courses that prepare students to sit for the industry's licensure exam upon graduation (more on this below). Students in bachelor's interior design programs are also encouraged to concentrate on a specific area of study, generate a portfolio of their work, or partake in internships and study abroad programs to enhance their learning and practical experience.
A bachelor's degree in interior design typically culminates in a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), or, more commonly, a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). Some programs offer an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree curriculum, as well.
Master's Degrees in Interior Design
Master's degrees in interior design often pave the way for students seeking managerial roles in the design industry or postsecondary teaching careers. These advanced degrees usually delve deeper into interior design-focused research and design theory applications, including the relationship between design and the needs of society, education, culture, and the environment. Students in master's-level programs have the potential to improve central interior design skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management.
Depending on the school, master's-level interior design programs require about 30 to 36 credits of subject-specific coursework, although some programs require around 45 credits. Master's degrees typically result in a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), Master of Professional Studies (MPS), or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Interior Design or a related program title, such as interior architecture, sustainable interior design environments, or healthcare interior design.
Doctoral Degrees in Interior Design
A doctorate in interior design is the highest level of education students can pursue to advance their expertise in the field. Students who pursue doctoral interior design programs typically aspire to work in research or academia, and may also pursue corporate leadership roles.
Following about 3 to 5 years of rigorous and concentrated coursework, students must submit a thesis/dissertation and defense to finish out their programs. Many doctoral interior design programs also require students to complete a teaching apprenticeship, workshops, and seminars and gain professional experience to meet several learning objectives within their curriculums.
A doctorate in interior design is usually a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Design or Interior Design, although students may wish to pursue a degree in a niche design subject, such as sustainable interior design or an architectural study.
Certificates in Interior Design
Interior design certificates are ideal for students who wish to gain fundamental knowledge in the design process, drafting, materials, and other design elements. Students who pursue certificates in interior design usually seek to improve their skill sets, gain new skills, find entry-level employment, or advance in their careers.
Certificate programs may include 15 to 18 credits of subject-specific courses. Certificates can be hopeful for professionals who want to sharpen their skills in a particular area of the field or move into a different position. It's important to note that a certificate in interior design does not meet the minimum 60-credit eligibility requirements to sit for the NCIDQ exam, so students who want to take on roles in the field should pursue an associate or bachelor's degree upon receiving a certificate.
There are several niche interior design certificates to choose from, such as the fundamentals of interior design, interior merchandising, and kitchen and bath design.
Interior Design Degree Concentrations
Interior design curriculums tend to offer concentrations in several study tracks. Programs that do not offer concentrations may instead encourage students to select electives that are tailored to their academic and professional interests. Other programs may allow students to minor in business, marketing, or another subject from a different department to gain a more multi-disciplinary interior design education. Below are a few concentrations and specializations that students may wish to pursue within an interior design program.
Interior Design Business
Students who concentrate in interior design business or minor in business typically gain knowledge of essential corporate operations and marketing principles. Business concentrations and minors may cover several topics, such as financial planning, consumer behaviors, management, and economics, and students tend to procure essential problem-solving, analytical thinking, communication, and leadership skills that can be applied to nearly any career in interior design or project management.
Drafting
A concentration or minor in drafting is designed for students to acquire technical design expertise utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) and modeling programs. Students who pursue drafting studies may learn how to develop product prototypes that help improve people's lives, such as prosthetics and other medical gear, create digital renderings of residential and non-residential interiors, and prepare for a number of design careers across broad industries (e.g. engineering, fashion, technology, urban planning, and entertainment).
Sustainable Interiors
Offered at the graduate level, a concentration in sustainable interior design provides a multidisciplinary approach to creating environmentally-conscious indoor spaces. Utilizing communication, artistic visualization, and technical skills, students who concentrate on sustainable interior design are typically forward thinkers and problem-solvers, seeking to reconsider and challenge traditional design methods. Sustainable interior design curriculums may incorporate several environmental topics, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) design, sustainable materials, biotechnology, and green building.
Curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design
Generally, bachelor's degrees dedicate the first part of the curriculum to general coursework, emphasizing an intensive study of interior design in the second half. Many programs encourage students to complete a portfolio by the end of the program that demonstrates their learning and design capabilities.
The following titles are examples of courses offered in bachelor's interior design degree programs:
- Visual communication
- Interior design studio
- Interior design history
- Construction
- Interior materials
- Sustainable interiors
Visual Communication
This course examines different visual communication methods, providing students with hands-on learning of various design technologies, computer-aided drafting (CAD), and modeling software. Typically, a visual communication class addresses manual and digital drafting techniques, color rendering, 3-D modeling, spatial studies, and light and shadow. In many interior design curriculums, students can take a series of these courses to engage in a greater analysis of different visual communication concepts.
Interior Design History
This course is designed to deliver an investigation into historical architectural design, furnishings, and decorative art from antiquity to modern times. Students are usually required to take a series of interior design history courses, with each course breaking down a span of several years of historical design study. Generally, the course objective for an interior design history class is to examine theoretical design perspectives while drawing correlations between historical and future design methodologies.
Interior Design Studio
Interior design studio is often required as a series of course offerings and provides an in-depth study of interior design principles and concepts. Each course level is designed for students to examine various topics pertaining to creative problem-solving and project development, space planning in specialized environments (healthcare, residential, commercial, etc.), sustainable design principles, and design research. Interior design studio experience may be offered as a lab component to other courses as well.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor's in Interior Design?
Most bachelor's degrees are four-year curriculums and include around 120 credits. However, program lengths may vary for various reasons, such as if a student attends school full-time or part-time, takes summer courses, or partakes in internships and semesters abroad in another country.
Some colleges offer a dual bachelor's-to-master's degree program in interior design. These accelerated programs are usually longer than a bachelor's degree program but take less time than earning both a bachelor's and a master's separately, and students who graduate from these types of programs obtain a graduate-level degree in interior design or a related subject.
Enrolling in a School for Interior Design Bachelor's Degree Program
First-time applicants should visit their prospective colleges' websites to find out what their admissions procedures are. Most schools require students to fill out an online application and submit any necessary documents, such as high school transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and college essays. Typically, students are charged a nominal application fee with each submission.
Transfer students usually follow the same procedures as first-time applicants, including submitting official transcripts from their previous schools and test scores. Depending on the college, transfer students may need to meet a minimum grade point average for admission consideration.
Some interior design programs have additional application requirements, such as that first-year and transfer students must submit a portfolio that showcases their design abilities, as well as their academic and professional interests. To find out if an interior design program has specific application criteria, students should visit the program or department website, or contact an admission representative at the school.
Difference Between Interior Design & Architecture Degree Programs
Although the fields may seem alike in many ways, there is a significant difference between interior design and architecture degree programs.
Both interior designers and architects work with clients, develop design plans and budgets, and must obtain special licensure to work in the field. Their differences, however, primarily depend on what they design. Students enrolled in interior design degree programs typically focus on the aesthetics and functionality of interior spaces, including furnishings, décor, and lighting. Architecture programs, on the other hand, emphasize the development and design of structures (buildings, residences, and commercial spaces).
Despite the differences in these programs, many architecture and interior design curriculums allow students to enroll in overlapping course topics or pursue an integrated interior architecture concentration, providing a more multidisciplinary education.
Accreditation for Bachelor's in Interior Design Degrees
Students who seek federal financial aid, scholarship opportunities, and even gainful employment in certain industries should attend an accredited school. Colleges, universities, and special programs receive accreditation for meeting or exceeding their students' learning needs. To meet accreditation criteria, schools should offer an exemplary curriculum and instruction by subject matter experts and ensure the availability of several academic and professional resources.
Specialized accreditation may be given to interior design programs by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD) or the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), which recognizes interior design programs that are offered through accredited schools recognized by the U.S. Department of Higher Education, culminate in a degree, and provide an in-depth collegiate interior design education for students expected to enter the field.
To learn more about school and program accreditation, students may visit their college's website or search the U.S. Department of Education's database of accredited colleges and universities.
Interior Design Licensure & Certification
Many states require that individuals undergo licensure to work as interior designers, a process that often involves taking an exam offered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). Eligibility for the NCIDQ exam includes a minimum of 60 credits, or an associate degree, as well as three years of professional experience as confirmed by a direct supervisor or sponsor. Only two years of experience are required for individuals with a bachelor's degree in interior design. Professionals in California must meet the experience requirements and pass an exam administered by the California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC).
Interior design majors may also pursue credentialing through the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) to demonstrate a mastery of residential kitchen and bath design. Prospective applicants must have at least 60 academic credits and four years of professional experience, including a minimum of two years of kitchen and bath experience. The application requires a portfolio submission as well as passing an exam that addresses design safety planning, graphics and presentation, and construction.
Graduates may also wish to stay relevant in their field by enrolling in continuing education courses or certificate programs. Individuals who do not wish to enroll in college may choose to take free online interior design courses, although these classes usually do not offer college credit or lead to a degree.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design?
Interior design majors are likely to discover several career avenues they can apply their education and practical training to, including professions beyond a common interior designer role. Interior designers may work in residential or commercial interiors, government, healthcare, or sustainable design projects, while others may seek careers in merchandising, exhibition design, the entertainment industry, or production management.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2019, individuals who worked in interior design careers had a median salary of:
- Interior designer: $56,040
- Drafter: $56,830
How to Become an Interior Designer
Graduates with interior design degrees often choose to pursue careers as interior designers. Interior designers are responsible for incorporating several design elements (color, lighting, furniture, décor, layout, etc.) to create safe and functional indoor spaces. Many interior designers work with engineers and architects to bring their clients' visions to life. Additional responsibilities may include generating sketches and layouts of their design, determining what materials they plan to use, developing cost estimates and project timelines, purchasing materials, and visiting sites.
Several types of interior designers specialize in specific areas of design as corporate designers, healthcare designers, sustainability designers, kitchen and bath designers, and universal designers.
According to the BLS, employment for interior designers is expected to decrease by 5 percent (2019-2029).
How to Become a Drafter
Drafters use computer-aided design (CAD) software to transform design, architectural, and engineering sketches into digital renderings. Digital renderings typically consist of project specifications, such as construction guidelines, dimensions, and materials. Drafters tend to have creative, mathematical, technology, communication, and interpersonal skills and are highly detail-oriented.
Although certification is not compulsory to become a drafter, some professionals may choose to obtain credentialing through the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) to demonstrate their expertise.
According to the BLS, employment opportunities for drafters are expected to decrease by 4 percent (2019-2029).
Financial Aid & Scholarship Information for Bachelor's in Interior Design Degrees
The cost of attending a college may vary depending on whether the school is a two-year, four-year, private, or public institution. Students seeking federal financial assistance in paying for their education can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To qualify for FAFSA, students must demonstrate financial need, provide proof of citizenship or eligible noncitizen status, and attend an accredited college or university.
In addition to federal aid, students may apply for scholarships, grants, or fellowships online; some colleges and programs offer private scholarships to students as well. Other options may include an employer tuition reimbursement program, work-study programs, or military/veteran education benefits.
For additional information on tuition and financing, scholarships, and federal assistance, students can visit their school's financial aid offices.
Uncommon Goods Scholarship
The Uncommon Goods Scholarship is available bi-annually to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an accredited college or university. Applicants should submit an application form online along with an artist's statement and three examples of their work that best exhibits their creativity and design abilities. One winner will be chosen for the fall and spring application periods and will receive $1,000 that can be applied to their educational costs.
Tricia LeVangie Green/Sustainable Design Scholarship
The Tricia LeVangie Green/Sustainable Design Scholarship is available to undergraduate students who are interested in sustainable interior design and interior elements, such as materials, textiles, and products, and who intend to pursue LEED credentialing. Students should submit the application packet along with an unofficial transcript, an essay demonstrating their professional goals and community service, an original design project, two attached images, and a letter of recommendation from a faculty member. The selected winner will receive a $1,500 award.
