15 Great Schools for a Bachelor Degree in Interior Design

American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once called the city of Cincinnati the “Queen City of the West,” and what better location to earn a top interior design bachelor’s degree? Founded in 1919, the University of Cincinnati is ranked “among the top tier of the Best National Universities.” (U.S. News & World Report).

More than 300,000 alumni call themselves Bearcats, and you may be one too if you pursue UC’s Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. This best BS in interior design entails 126 credit hours and will take you five years to complete if you are a full-time student. Along with major interior design courses, you will prepare a capstone project and gain practical hands-on experiences along the way.

UC’s interior design program also includes:

• study abroad opportunities
• minors
• certificate programs

Graduates are well prepared to jump into careers as interior designers—although some become:

• facility programmers
• computer software designers
• facility managers
• university educators

Another top interior design bachelor’s degree comes from the highly ranked research university, Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech is located in the gorgeous mountains of Blacksburg, Virginia, and includes nine colleges, including a graduate school. Virginia Tech’s top Bachelor of Science in interior design holds a simple philosophy: “Prepare students to create a better world.”

Learning by doing is the best way to understand any subject, which is why Virginia Tech’s bachelor’s in interior design is based on experiential learning. Virginia Tech’s interior design degree is broken down into the following requirements:

• 45 credit hours general education
• 60 credit hours interior design courses
• 15 credits professional elective courses
• 3 credits free electives

Along with a focus on internships, VT also emphasizes student service. Interior design students frequently seek out experiential learning opportunities in the larger context of Southwestern Virginia. Additionally, students may study abroad in various countries overseas—both long and short term. Virginia Tech’s best bachelor of interior design will make the design come alive in and outside of the classroom.

Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest university in the state. It’s also one of the nation’s most prominent research universities and houses one of the best bachelor’s of interior design. Here is some excellent news about Florida State University’s bachelor’s in interior architecture and design:

• You can earn either a Bachelor of Art or Science
• Both degrees are accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation
• Both degrees are also accredited by the National Association of the Schools of Art and Design  
• 100% of interior design students complete an internship
• 89% of students are employed within nine months of graduation

FSU’s bachelor’s in interior architecture and design entails 77 semester credits in addition to the general education requirements. Along with a required internship, you also have plenty of opportunities to get involved. If you love to travel, check out the summer study abroad program in London, England! If you’re interested in applying to FSU, here’s the link.

What does it mean to be a Kansas State University wildcat? One word: family. Kansas State, a school with a tight-knit feel, is a comprehensive research institution devoted to its students’ success. What is special about Kansas State’s B.S. in interior design? Well, for starters, it’s the only four-year CIDA-accredited program in the state.

Kansas State’s top B.S. in interior design gives students the knowledge and skills they need to become professionals who “design interior spaces that are sustainable and enhance user satisfaction, health, well-being, productivity, and safety.” Along with general education and elective courses, you will complete professional courses like the following:

• Design and Behavior in the Interior Environment
• History of Interior Design I & II
• Construction Methods and Materials for Interior Design
• Advanced Design & Behavior

Kansas State reports that more than 90% of its graduates complete this program in just four years. Interior design graduates work at various architectural and interior design firms. Some focus on certain facts of interior design such as kitchen, bath design, or lighting. Other careers include facilities managers and product designers.

Students from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and 130 countries attend George Washington University. Perhaps the biggest draw to GW is its rich history dating back to 1821. Or maybe it’s because it’s located in downtown Washington D.C. There are plenty of reasons why students are drawn to GW, and you may be too after you see all the BFA in interior architecture has to offer.

GW’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior architecture is truly one-of-a-kind. It’s the only CIDA-accredited program in Washington D.C. and one of ten interior design programs ranked in the top 70 of U.S. News & World Report’s national research universities. In GW’s interior architecture program, you will complete a core studio course and two supporting courses each semester.

The final studio course is when you will create a capstone project based on your interests. All GW interior architecture students are also required to complete a 120-hour internship, and with an ideal location such as the nation’s capital, you will have an array of options. Another perk: students who receive their BFA in interior architecture can stay at GW for one more year and earn their Master of Arts in interior architecture!

Brenau University is a private, non-profit institution with its main campus in Gainesville, Georgia. Brenau holds awards in Best Regional Universities, 2022, and Social Mobility, 2022 from U.S. News & World Report. Brenau’s CIDA-accredited Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior design prepares students for careers in the interior design field as well as for graduate school.

Brenau’s BFA in interior design is offered from both the main campus and the Women’s College on the Gainesville campus. The interior design curriculum focuses on developing a global perspective through “ecological, socio-economic, and cultural contexts.” Classes are small, student-centered, and taught by devoted interior design professionals.

Brenau interior design graduates are well equipped to begin careers in various types of design like the following:

• Commercial design
• Healthcare design
• Hospitality design
• Residential design
• Facilities management

To apply to Brenau University’s interior design program, you need at least a 2.75 GPA if you’re a freshman or a 2.0 in all college transcripts if you’re a transfer student.

A university that is focused on interior design, the New York School of Interior Design lives out its guiding principle in all its academic programs. “Successful design improves human welfare” and interior design serves “an important role in ensuring that spaces are beautiful, functional, healthy, safe, and built-in a socially and environmentally conscientious way.”  

NYSID’s CIDA-approved Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design emphasizes creativity, communication, technical proficiency, and sustainability. The curriculum entails 132 credits in courses such as:

• Historical Styles
• Construction Documents
• Environment and Behavior
• Modern Architecture
• Kitchen and Bath Design

An intensive French or Italian course is also required for all interior design students.

More than 100 faculty members teach interior design at NYSID, and some are practicing designers at some of the nation’s top firms:

• Gensler
• HOK
• Perkins + Will
• Rockwell Group
• Kati Curtis Design

Of course, another reason why NYSID is set apart from others is its location. The campus is within walking distance of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Frick Collection. You can request more information about NYSID’s interior design program by emailing or calling the contact information on this page.

Founded in 1919, Parsons School of Design (The New School) is one of the most notable art schools in the country. Parsons is conveniently located in lower Manhattan in the vibrant New York City but also includes a branch campus in Paris. Parsons’ BFA in interior design is a 120-credit hour, full-time, on-campus program.

As a Parsons interior design student, you will study an array of topics both in typical classrooms and in design studios. Expect to dive into areas such as:

• Art and design history and theory
• Research, writing, and critical thinking skills
• Textiles and soft materials
• Light and surface interaction

Parsons’ BFA interior design goes “beyond aesthetics,” though. The goal is to teach students to understand how interior design connects with human and ecological conditions. You have opportunities to thrive in internships in New York City and also travel abroad to Paris, London, or Florence. Parsons graduates are highly sought-after and begin careers in interior design or pursue further studies.

Endicott College is a private college outside of Boston known for its career-focused programs. U.S. News & World Report ranks Endicott #14 in Best Undergraduate Teaching and #23 in Regional Universities North. Endicott’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture is a multifaceted program with “rigorous classroom learning, real-world internship experiences, and eye-opening travel opportunities.”

Endicott’s interior architecture curriculum entails 129 credits divided strategically by each of the four years. Notable courses include:

• Visual Art and Cultural Values
• Construction Materials
• Electronic Media
• Global Issues
• Advanced Lighting Design

During your final year, you will complete a 12-credit hour internship and prepare a senior thesis.

Endicott interior architecture graduates either start careers or pursue graduate school, and the BFA in interior architecture prepares them for both options. Graduates have the option of enrolling in Endicott’s fifth-year M.A. in interior architecture which allows them to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s in just five years. Current alumni are employed by notable design firms such as:

• IA Interior Architects
• Perkins + Will Architects
• Winter Street Architects
• Michael Kors (retail design)

Known as “The University for Creative Careers,” Savannah College of Art and Design consistently appears on top-ranking lists for good reasons. For one, SCAD offers more than 100 degrees and specializations—more than any other art and design university in the country. The top BFA in interior design from SCAD produces professionals who partner with major corporations like Disney, Amazon, Chick-fil-A, and more.

SCAD’s BFA in interior design is available in Atlanta, Savannah, and online. The program requires 180 hours of total credits, broken down into the following:

• Foundation studies: 35 hours
• General education: 55 hours
• Major courses: 80 hours
• Additional electives: 10 hours

Courses range from Electronic Design to Building Construction and Systems for the Interior. Students are required to complete both an interior design internship and a capstone project. SCAD graduates are successful. In fact, 98% are either working in the field or in graduate programs within six months of graduation. Current SCAD alumni are employed by notable companies such as:

• Ainsworth Noah
• American Institute of Architects
• Extell Development Corporation
• SCAD Museum of Art

Bay Path University’s mission has remained the same since it opened its doors in 1897: “to provide a practical, affordable, and career-oriented education to meet the needs of companies, organizations, and communities.” You will soon see that Bay Path’s Bachelor of Science in Business: Interior Design: Residential and Commercial program is a convenient and practical pathway to meet your career goals.

Bay Path’s interior design degree focuses not only on interior design but also on the business side. While some programs emphasize residential OR commercial interior design, Bay Path focuses on both, broadening your career options. You will gain the expertise to design, market, and sell interior space ideas for homes, offices, and larger corporations.

Bay Path also features an accelerated format where you can finish the bachelor’s degree in just three years and save a year’s worth of tuition. Likewise, you can earn a 3+1 bachelor’s to master’s degree in just four years! Bay Path interior design graduates dive into all types of careers. Check out the following examples:

• Interior designer
• Architect
• Art director
• Artist
• Industrial designer
• Landscape architect

Among the best bachelor’s in interior design colleges is Pratt Institute. Founded in 1887, Pratt Institute is a globally recognized college for art and design. Located in Utica, New York (with campuses in Brooklyn and Manhattan!), Pratt offers vibrant creative programs, including our #12 ranking: a BFA in interior design. Pratt’s interior design curriculum is dense—covering everything from global cultural history to material research.

Pratt interior design students complete 126 credits of classroom and studio courses. Sample classes include:

• Visualization/Representation
• Time and Movement
• Themes in Art and Culture
• Assemblies & Environments
• Design Studio

During your final year, you will complete a design thesis and a portfolio—handy for future employers!

Another bonus of studying interior design at Pratt is that you have the opportunity to spend the spring semester of your junior year at the Danish International School (DIS), studying in Copenhagen. Pratt interior design graduates have a competitive edge when looking for careers. In fact, within six months of graduation, 93% of graduates are working in the field. Likewise, 100% who apply to graduate school are admitted!

From its start in 1874, Andrews University has been known as “the heartbeat of Adventist education.” Andrews is ranked 2^nd in the nation for campus diversity and holds the 7^th highest percentage of international students (U.S. News & World Report, 2021). Andrews University’s Bachelor of Interior Design is an excellent choice that focuses on both residential and commercial projects.

Andrews University’s undergraduate program entails four years + one summer abroad course of study. The bachelor of interior design courses detail topics such as:

• Residential and commercial design
• Environmental design
• Project management
• Budgeting
• Administration
• Space allocation
• Material selection

The bachelor of interior design entails 132 total credit hours, including 89 credits in major courses and a five-week summer abroad course to Europe!

To apply to Andrews University’s interior design program, you need to first apply to the school. If accepted, you will complete pre-professional year one and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5. During pre-professional year two, you will submit a portfolio, three recommendation letters, and an intent letter, while maintaining a 2.75 GPA.

Rhode Island School of Design, a private, nonprofit college, was founded in 1877. RISD (pronounced “RIZ-dee”) is one of the country’s first art and design schools—and one of the best! RISD’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Studies is a multidisciplinary program across three departments:

• History, Philosophy and Social Sciences
• Literary Arts and Studies
• Theory and History of Art and Design

The program includes 126 credits of coursework in interior architecture, studio electives, and liberal arts classes. First-year students complete RISD’s foundational studies courses and begin interior architecture courses during their sophomore year. As a junior and senior, you will take more advanced studio courses, history and theory courses, and a final studio project seminar.

 As a RISD interior studies major, you will be a part of an inspiring, collaborative community of both undergraduate and graduate students. This program is especially beneficial for those who are interested in graduate school and/or professional design practice. To apply to RISD, you will submit your application through the CommonApp. In addition, you will compile a portfolio of 12-20 examples of your work.

Founded in 1906, College for Creative Studies is a highly-ranked art and design school in Detroit, Michigan. CCS is a small community with loads of industry connections, networking opportunities, and student success. If you are looking for a tight-knit, collaborative community, check out CCS’s CIDA-approved Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior design.

CCS’s 127-credit BFA in interior design focuses on concept development and creative thinking through coursework and real-world projects. A huge perk of this program is the industry-standard resources such as:

• 3-D printers
• Large presentation plotter
• Unlimited library materials
• Revit architectural software

Detroit industry partners work directly with interior design students, providing internships and post-graduation employment.

CCS reports that its interior design graduates achieve 100% employment after graduation. Common career choices include:

• Commercial interior designer
• Corporate interior designer
• Displayer designer
• Facilities designer
• Furniture designer
• Hospitality designer
• Manager

At 26%, admission to CCS is competitive.