Online Degree for Interior Design – The Top 7 Programs

Launch into one of the best online interior design schools with this GetEducated article! Do you find pride in architecture and decor? Are you interested in design as a business concept? Maybe you’re a professional interior designer seeking more education to stay sharp. A career in interior design is a great path, especially with today’s booming real estate industry. Interior designers are in high demand, and so are online degrees for interior design. In fact, these programs can provide you with everything you need to be successful in this niche career.

This complete guide offers all the information you need, if you’re exploring the field, already know you want to become an interior designer, or are considering a change from your existing career.

Let’s dig into online interior design schools, careers, and more.

Can You Get a Degree in Interior Design Online?

Interior designers require both soft and hard skills to excel in their careers. Technology has advanced beyond sketching layouts by hand. In general, you must be proficient in using design tools. To break into the industry at the entry-level, consider pursuing an online bachelor’s degree interior design program. Of course, if you are more interested in an associate’s degree, the credits earned there can be transferred to a four-year program later on.

On the other hand, if you are a qualified interior designer seeking continued education, there are plenty of other options. A certificate program online is a cost-effective way to level up your skills and a master’s in interior design can set you up for higher positions in your firm. You could even start your own business with a graduate degree in your back pocket!

Overall, interior design online degrees provide the credentials to succeed. Also, several states require interior designers to hold a license before professional practice. And to get a license, you have to pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification exams. And to pass those exams, you can use interior design programs online.

Article Navigation: What is an Interior Designer Degree Online? | What To Expect From The Best Online Interior Design Schools | Accreditation | The 7 Best Online Interior Design Schools | The  National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) | How Do I Choose an Online Degree for an Interior Design Program? | Admission Requirements For an Online Degree in Interior Design | Get Started Today

What is an Interior Designer Degree Online?

Interior design is an extensive professional practice. Designers must develop environments that protect, address, and effectively respond to client needs. It is a domain that combines art, business planning, and technical, creative, sustainable, and functional interior solutions. Interior designers also incorporate processes for health and safety to make informed decisions.

An online degree in interior design provides a background in studio art and art history. This knowledge prepares you to create pleasing and functional spaces based on practical design principles. However, an interior design program online will cover much more technical knowledge as well.

Since most interior design degrees live under the umbrella of architecture education, they cover basic concepts and frameworks of building and design. Apart from interior design, students learn about:

• Permits
• Codes
• Practicality
• Eco-friendly design

Students with an interior design major develop soft and hard skills. Some common interior designer skills you can acquire through an online degree in interior design are as follows:

• Artistic ability
• Project management
• Finance management
• Communication skills
• Time management
• Attention to detail
• Creativity
• Color management and scheming
• Understanding of spatial balance
• Knowledge of trends and designs
• Drafting
• Software rendering
• 3D visualization

How Long is Interior Design School Online?

The duration of an online interior design program depends upon factors such as the:

• School
• Kind of degree
• Program format
• Class schedule

If you’re starting to pursue an interior design career, consider an online bachelor’s degree in interior design, which takes about four years of full-time study.

Master’s degree programs in interior design online take one to two years, depending on your chosen program. Continuing education in interior design may include practical work experience, such as an internship or work placement, along with theoretical, in-class learning.

What To Expect From The Best Online Interior Design Schools

Certificate Programs – Interior Design Certificate vs. Degree

Do you find yourself wondering, how fast can I become an interior designer? Some online interior design certificate programs take less than a year to complete. They differ a lot from degrees in various aspects, such as content, length, cost, and qualifications. Here are some distinguishing factors that shed light on an interior design certificate vs. degree:

Interior design certification programs are generally shorter than their degree counterparts. Some certificates may take less than a year to complete, whereas others may require one to two years. In contrast, online degrees for interior design can vary in length, depending on your degree. A bachelor’s degree in interior design may take about four years. In contrast, a master’s and associate’s degree is completed in two to three years.

Certificate programs typically cost less than degree programs. However, they offer students fewer specialization, scholarships, and financial aid options. The total expense of an interior design certificate or degree program depends upon several factors, such as the financial aid you may qualify for, the type of institution, and the length of the program.

An online degree in interior design is likely to differ from its certification counterpart in the course content. Although most certification programs offer extensive insight into business skills and design fundamentals, degree programs are more in-depth. They may also cover more technical coursework as compared to certification.

A certificate offers a different set of qualifications and credentials as compared to a degree. Most interior design careers do not require formal education. However, having an official credential can increase your chances of landing a great job.

Online Interior Design Associate Degree

An associate degree in interior design is also a great way to enter the workforce as soon as possible with a foundational education. They’re generally the best online interior design degree for entry-level careers or even for transfer to a four-year program later on. Average associate degree interior design programs require about 64 credits in general education and some directly related coursework. Some of the more common online courses in interior design with an associate’s include:

• Color composition
• CAD software
• Conceptual design

There are different types of associate programs in interior design. The associate of arts incorporates more liberal arts elements into the program. In contrast, an associate of science degree focuses heavily on science and mathematics and the professional pathways you can take. Finally, an associate of applied science is a more direct route to a career. Consider an AAS if you already have some experience in the field and want to gain the credentials to advance.

Interior Design Bachelor Degree Online

An associate degree covers the primary domains of interior design. On the other hand, an online bachelor’s degree interior design program takes things a step further by providing students with a more complete insight into the design world. You can learn a broad spectrum of knowledge from an interior design bachelor’s, including 3D models, CAD software, and more. Bachelor programs can also offer various areas of focus. For example, environmentally sustainable materials or kitchen design. Some common elective or required design classes can help you specialize your degree further. Your interior design education may include electives such as:

• Design Practice
• Textiles
• Lighting Design
• Sustainable Design
• Color Theory
• Graphic Design
• Fundamentals of Designing Interior Spaces

Most online bachelor’s degrees for interior design require 120 credits for graduation, which requires four years of full-time study. These courses can cover much of the following:

• Required core courses, such as Introduction to Architecture, Principles of Interior design, and AutoCAD
• General education courses, such as mathematics, history, and science
• Elective major courses based on personal and professional inclinations; for instance, a concentration in commercial or residential design

A bachelor’s degree in interior design is the most traditional way of attaining the necessary education to excel in an interior design career. Various online degrees for interior design are readily available. Still, suppose you have not yet decided to commit to a degree program. In that case, you can opt for a shorter associate degree or certification. You can also easily transfer your associate degree credits to a bachelor’s degree program if you decide that an interior design career is right for you.

Master’s Interior Design Programs Online

Continuing education beyond a bachelor’s degree in interior design leads to a master’s. A master’s in interior design online generally requires many years of experience in the field. Also, you will have to identify an area of focus that satisfies your professional inclinations. Master’s degrees can help advance you to a higher role in your current job or even prompt you to start a firm of your own. Doctorate programs, in contrast, are suitable for those pursuing independent research on design theory, teaching, or consulting. There are no current regionally accredited doctoral programs in interior design online.

Accreditation

Accreditation is the most important factor of the best online interior design schools. Not only do reputable schools hold accreditation as a whole, but single programs can have accreditation, too. Regional accreditation is critical. It ensures an entire institution meets academic standards that benefit students in the real world. Programmatic accreditation is also important. The most prominent program accreditation in interior design is CIDA, the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. CIDA reviews programs and makes sure they meet industry standards. If your interior design program online is CIDA-accredited, you will receive an education that prepares you for a successful career.

The 7 Best Online Interior Design Schools

1. Penn Foster

   Degree: Associate of Science in Interior Design
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $99 per credit
   Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

   Penn Foster offers a program for those keen on an affordable interior design degree online. This self-paced associate’s degree covers primary topics, such as residential design and color theory. It also covers the fundamentals of design knowledge and skills crucial to advance your career. The interior design classes online include the following topics:

   – Commercial Design
   – Color Theory
   – Residential Design
   – Drawing for Interiors

   This online interior design associate degree requires 67 credits for graduation. Students can complete their coursework in four semesters, and the average estimated completion time is about twelve months. However, students on the fast track can complete it in as little as seven months.

   Students earn 45 credits towards the 60-credit requirement of the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Certification, which more than half of the states require for interior designers to work in their field. Graduates of this online interior designer degree can also apply for membership to the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). They are eligible to submit Penn Foster transcripts to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) to attain academic hours toward the NKBA certification requirements.

   Enrolled students receive a drawing tool kit as a part of their program materials without additional charges. Since the schedule is highly flexible, students can finish their coursework at a pace suitable for them, depending on the time they devote to academics every week.

   Find Out More:
   Associate of Science in Interior Design

    

2. Florida State College at Jacksonville

   Degree(s): Home Staging Specialist Technical Certificate; Associate of Science in Interior Design Technology
   Tuition (In-state): $104.88 per credit hour
   Tuition (Out-of-State): $401.27 per credit hour
   Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

   Florida State College at Jacksonville offers an online Home Staging Specialist Technical Certification. The institute hosts four physical campuses throughout Jacksonville, Florida, with additional academic locations in the First Coast region. The total student enrollment reaches up to 52,000 students.

   FSCJ’s interior design courses online specialize in home staging. They enables students to delve deep into the following four courses:

   – Fundamentals of Interior Design
   – Principles of Interior Design
   – Materials and Sources
   – Selected Studies in Interior Design

   Interested students can apply their certificate credits to the FSCJ associate’s degree in Interior Design Technology. The AS program prepares students to sit for the NCIDQ exam. It is not entirely online, as there are some on-campus components and a 180 hour internship. Develop your competencies at either level and enter the interior design field through one of the best online interior design programs.

   Find Out More:
   Home Staging Specialist Technical Certificate

    

3. Ball State University

   Degree(s): MA in Interior Design; MS in Interior Design
   Tuition (In-State): $451 per credit
   Tuition (Out-of-State): $676 per credit
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

   Ball State University, established in 1918, is in Muncie, Indiana. The institute has two satellite campuses in the towns of Fishers and Indianapolis. With eight distinct colleges with a total student enrollment exceeding 23,000 students, Ball State offers more than 400 student associations and online and on-campus clubs. It is known as one of the best accredited online interior design schools. The online study format allows students to tailor their courses according to their schedules.

   Consider this online interior design degree program culminating in a Master of Arts or Science in Interior Design. The coursework provides students with insight into the foundations necessary to become a learned interior designer. The program is rigorous, and the classes are fast-paced, focusing on theory and research. Coursework covers:

   – Graphic communication skills
   – Environmental psychology
   – Accessibility
   – Design theory
   – Functional and cultural needs

   Find Out More:
   MA in Interior Design

    

4. Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

   Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $712 per credit hour
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) & National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)

   Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design was founded in 1963 by educator and artist Philip J. Steele. The campus holds a National Historic District designation and offers in-person and online classes. The institute’s graduate and undergrad degree programs hold accreditation from CIDA!

   RMCAD offers an online Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in interior design. This degree combines several disciplines, including environmental design, architecture, graphic design, and industrial design. For example, students learn about the following topics:

   – Space planning
   – Human and ecological behavior
   – Computer Aided Design and drafting
   – Lighting design

   The program offers one-on-one attention from faculty members who serve as industry experts, providing a great advantage to students. Students also can engage in a shared and experiential learning environment.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design

    

5. Savannah College of Art and Design

   Degree: Master of Arts in Interior Design
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $913 per credit hour
   Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

   Savannah College of Art and Design, established in 1978, is often known as SCAD. The campus is located in historic Savannah, Georgia, and boasts an additional campus in Atlanta. Additionally, it has Hong Kong campuses that offer degrees and an advanced study abroad location in Lacoste, France.

   SCAD offers one online interior design degree, the Master of Arts in Interior Design. It requires 45 credit hours. The program focuses on critical thinking and collaborative teamwork, in addition to the intricacies of developing functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. The SCAD program has pumped out graduates now working for big names such as Google, NASA, Disney, and more. There are plenty of chances to work with faculty through career-building services, like expanding your resume and portfolio.

   Online learning with SCAD involves real-time work with peers and staff, exemplary flexibility for on-the-go-artists, and an overall collaborative environment. If you’re looking for the best online schools for interior design, you can certainly find that here.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Interior Design

    

6. Fairfield University

   Degree(s): Interior Design Professional Certificate; Interior Design Residential Certificate; Master of Arts in Interior Design
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): Undergrad $855 per credit hour; Graduate $935 per credit hour
   Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

   Fairfield offers some of the best online interior design certificate programs and an online Master of Arts in Interior Design. The master’s program focuses on textile selection and color scheme planning. Students will develop the necessary knowledge and experience to excel in this field. Importantly, this rigorous curriculum prepares students for the NCIDQ certification. Also, the courses in this online degree for interior design are synchronous. They allow students to receive feedback on their projects in real time. You can obtain a professional or residential interior design certificate concurrently with the master’s program’s required courses.

   Students must complete 63 credits for graduation. These credits may include interior design online classes from Textiles for Interiors to the Business of Interior Design. Graduates of this online master in interior design hold the knowledge and expertise to design:

   – Institutional spaces
   – Commercial locations
   – Residential spaces

   If you’re looking for a certificate program, the Professional and Residential certificate programs are great for advancing your career. You will gain practical training, preparing to become an Allied Member of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers). To complete the Residential track, you’ll take on about 30 credits. In contrast, the Professional track requires about 42-43 credits. Interior design online classes benefit those working with retail stores, interior design and architecture firms, and nonprofits.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Interior Design

    

7. New York School of Interior Design

   Degree(s): Basic Interior Design Certificate; AAS in Interior Design; BFA in Interior Design; Master of Professional Studies in Lighting Design; Master of Professional Studies in Sustainable Interior Environments
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): Undergrad $1,220 per credit; Graduate $1,380 per credit
   Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) & National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation (NASADCA)

   This non-profit, private institution provides many routes for this professional field. As one of the best online interior design schools in the world, it offers programs including a non-degree interior design certification.

   Undergrad students can apply for an AAS Interior Design degree or a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts. The AAS covers all the fundamental skills you need to practice interior design in commercial and residential settings. Overall it culminates within two years. This online degree for interior design focuses on the core studies in design studios, technology, decorative arts, and the history of architecture. Graduates are eligible to become junior designers or design assistants. Students will fulfill the minimum requirement of two years of college-level interior design education to be eligible for certified interior designer licensure in several states. There are 66 credits and two studio courses focusing on contract and residential design. Necessary credits can apply to the Bachelor in Fine Arts program.

   The BFA curriculum is professional-level, focusing on preparation for the NCIDQ exams. This is a full-time or part-time program with online and in-person courses. An excellent perk of this degree is the professional experience students gain, preparing them for licensure exams. The online BFA in interior design requires 132 credits and may include the following courses:

   – Historical Styles
   – Cultural Anthropology
   – Modern Architecture and Design

   Find Out More:
   Basic Interior Design Certificate
   AAS in Interior Design
   Master of Professional Studies in Sustainable Interior Environments

    

The  National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)

Twenty-seven states require interior designers to hold licensure for practice. That includes passing the National Council for Interior Design Qualification. NCIDQ is one of the most common interior design certifications. Developed by the Council of Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ), it is a three-part exam held as a benchmark in the US and Canada for excellence in the interior design industry. These three parts include the following:

• Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX)
• Interior Design Professional Exam (IDPX)
• The practicum

To take this exam, you must hold an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree. Also, you need a particular number of work experience hours, depending upon your academic standing. The exam covers fundamental interior design domains such as:

• Contract administration
• Construction standards
• Project coordination
• Design application
• Building systems and codes

How Do I Choose an Online Degree for an Interior Design Program?

Cost

Program cost is the most significant consideration when choosing a degree program. Online degrees for interior design cost less than their in-person counterparts, allowing you to save money. However, considering only the tuition when choosing an online program is not reasonable, as the low cost may translate to subpar academic standards. Therefore, make sure you opt for an accredited online interior design school that does not compromise quality.

Program Format

The best part about online degrees is the program format, because it defines the flexibility of your schedule. There are two particular formats you should check out:

• Synchronous formats have particular time requirements, such as lectures, discussions, and live presentations.
• Asynchronous programs, in contrast, offer higher flexibility and allow students to manage the workload at their own pace.

Even if a program is entirely online, check whether it uses a synchronous or asynchronous format.

You should also consider whether you want to take interior design classes online full-time or part-time. A full-time degree is completed at a traditional pace. In contrast, a part-time option will take more time. However, part-time programs offer higher flexibility regarding coursework, assignments, and thesis requirements.

It is crucial to look into the location of your schools of interest before making a decision. Some online interior design degree requirements may include in-person activities, which may prove a hassle for students living out of state. Additionally, some institutes charge more for out-of-state tuition than in-state tuition.

Certification Opportunities

Make sure you opt for a program that makes you eligible for certification opportunities upon graduation and prepares you to pass such exams.

Admission Requirements For an Online Degree in Interior Design

It is essential to look into the admission requirements of the interior design program you wish to enroll in to ensure that you send everything in. Generally, online degree programs in interior design require official transcripts from your prior institution or high school diploma/GED score, recommendation letters, and a portfolio.

Online degree for interior design admission requirements may vary depending upon the school and degree. Some programs may also require you to submit letters of recommendation from teachers or employers, a portfolio, and take college entrance examinations such as the SAT or ACT.

Is a portfolio required to become an interior designer?

Yes, a portfolio is crucial to becoming an interior designer. Almost all online accredited interior design schools require a portfolio for admission, and so do employers. Applicants who want to pursue an interior design career must use their internship experiences, student work, self-initiated work, paid client work, and side projects to develop a portfolio.

Get Started Today

The best online interior design schools are at your fingertips. Overall, if you want to fulfill the requirements for an interior design career, an online degree in interior design can work wonders in kickstarting your career in this industry.

Interior design courses online can be found here on GetEducated. Take the next step in your career and see if you’re qualified to apply today!