Interior Design Degrees

Training Certificates

Many local and regional community colleges and art schools offer limited training in interior design, with classes in such basic topics as design styles, history of design, color, and architectural elements. Generally, these courses are offered as a sideline to other areas of concentration, such as fine art, and typically are less strenuous than a full, dedicated interior design program. Students who complete such training are often offered a training certificate or certificate of completion as proof of their study in this area.

Associate Degrees

An Associate degree in interior design is generally the result of completing a two-year dedicated interior design course of study. Associate degrees are offered by dozens of community colleges, art schools, and interior design schools around the country. The course of study is generally narrowed to design topics as opposed to a four-year degree program that usually includes general education courses as well.

Bachelors Degrees

A Bachelors degree in interior design is generally a four-year course of study that includes a broad range of general education courses, as well as courses specific to art and interior design. A variety of diverse and well-regarded institutions, including Purdue University, UCLA,Columbia University, and Arizona State University offer a major in interior design. These schools also have the advantage of exposing younger students to the social aspect of college life. Like most universities, students have the option of living on or off campus.

Some four-year schools specialize more strictly in interior design. One such school is the prestigious New York School of Interior Design, located on New York City's Upper East Side. Unlike a school such as UCLA or Purdue, everyone at NYSID is pursuing interior design degrees.

Graduate Interior Design Degrees

Graduate interior design degrees take many forms. They can be a Master of Fine Arts Degree or a Master of Arts in Interior Design, or one of many other similar degrees. Doctorate degrees are also offered by a few institutions. Candidates for an advanced degree must have a Bachelors degree in interior design or a related subject, such as fine art, architecture, industrial design, or education. Graduate programs generally take between two and four years, depending on the area of concentration. These degrees are offered by most of the institutions that offer a four-year Bachelors degree in interior design.

Choosing an Interior Design School

One of the primary things to look for in choosing an interior design school is its accreditation. For four-year institutions, look to see if the school is accredited by FIDER (Foundation of Interior Design Education Research). This accreditation insures that the school has met a strict set of guidelines. The FIDER accreditiation is also well-respected by employers seeking graduates.

Asking for references, particularly of a community college or an art school, is another good way to gauge the quality of the training course. Don't be afraid to call the references and ask their opinion of the school.