10 Easiest Interior Design Courses & Degree Programs

Unlock the door to effortless entry into the world of interior design with our curated guide to the easiest interior design degrees available.

In this comprehensive overview for 2024, we highlight colleges offering the easiest pathways to a rewarding career in interior design.

Explore institutions renowned for their simple yet straightforward approach to education, ensuring that your transition into a fulfilling career in interior design is as seamless as possible.

Easiest Interior Design Degree Programs

When looking for the easiest interior design degrees to earn, take a look at our curated list of colleges that'll make aspiring designers stars in their field.

1. New York School of Interior Design (NYSID)

The New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) provides a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Interior Design that combines a well-rounded curriculum with a strong liberal arts education.

The program, fully accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), embraces such elements as creativity, communication effectiveness, technical proficiency, and sustainability.

Students can then decide to do part-time studies or pursue a full-time degree either on-site or online and graduate with competencies to pursue careers in interior design.

2. Design Institute of San Diego

The Design Institute of San Diego offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design that prepares graduates for real-life professional practice.

The student body is involved in an interdisciplinary learning process with a rich faculty, followed by an externship, which is a year-long internship in the third year.

The CIDA-accredited curriculum focuses on practical exposure and gives students a chance to work in a variety of interior design professions, including residential and commercial design.

3. Academy of Art University

Academy of Art University's School of Interior Architecture & Design offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior architecture & design program accredited by CIDA.

The curriculum covers theory, design, and technology, preparing students for careers as designers or visualizers.

The practical, hands-on training and interactive classes teach the students the basic skills and professional understanding they need to operate as qualified designers in the field of interior design.

4. Savannah College of Art & Design

Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) offers a diverse range of learning environments for its interior design students, integrating theoretical approaches with practical applications of interior design in different settings.

The program is centered on the four pillars:

• Health and wellness
• Sustainability
• Splendor
• Style

These pillars can be applied to:

• Corporate settings
• Residential communities
• Retail and hospitality ventures

With the help of SCADpro, students work with real-life Fortune 500 clients such as Amazon, Disney, and others to develop their portfolios and get valuable work experience before moving forward in their careers.

5. Parsons - The New School

Parsons - The New School offers a research-based Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior design program that emphasizes creating comfort, creative fun, and healthy spaces.

Following a curriculum that mirrors the green environment as well as the culture and the human aspect, students gain expertise in critical thinking skills and design exercises.

The program's interdisciplinary style within a major university environment amplifies student learning and sets them up to pursue various career options.

6. Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

The Online Interior Design Bachelor's Degree at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design balances technical as well as artistic components of interior design.

Students acquire a broad skill set with a curriculum ranging from disciplines such as:

• Architecture
• Graphic design
• Environmental design

The program's sustainability focus guarantees that the graduates can develop an aesthetically pleasing, ecological, and responsible interior space.

7. Ball State University

Ball State University provides a fully online master's degree program in interior design that gives a good grasp on design research, design theory, and design excellence.

The program focuses on the development of theoretical skills such as design, graphical communication, and motor ergonomics.

Graduates will be ready to meet the ever-changing world and broaden their sphere of influence, always well-informed on the latest global trends, technologies, and scientific breakthroughs.

8. Florida State College at Jacksonville

Florida State College at Jacksonville's (FSCJ) Associate in Science in Interior Design Technology program not only serves the role of developing knowledge in the students but also has a practical touch to the learning of interior design.

The curriculum of the program, which has a CIDA accreditation, examines such topics as textiles, drafting, space planning, and the portfolio development of students.

Through a professional internship, students will gain profound real-world experience to prepare them for the forces of the interior design industry.

9. American River College

American River College's Interior Design Department offers certificates and an associate degree program that has design and practical skills as the focus.

Students are drawn into coursework on design fundamentals, business processes, and fitness and health-related design disciplines.

Employing a portfolio-based approach to candidate management and real-world executed projects, graduates are skillfully equipped to start their careers in interior design.

10. Century College

The interior design program at Century College in Minnesota prepares students to become qualified and successful interior designers through the delivery of high-quality, affordable education.

The program stresses collaboration, sustainability, and career development as well as skills for positions in house design, drafting, and selling.

The hands-on experience brought by this major and connections with professional organizations like the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) enables students to graduate with both the skills and the knowledge they need to excel in their careers.

How Much Does an Interior Design Degree Cost?

The average annual undergraduate cost is about $29,439 per year, and for grad school (for the most part), the rates are a bit higher at around $29,631.

The average tuition for degree courses in the field of study is usually around $29,176, according to vocational programs.

Can I Earn My Interior Design Degree Online?

Yes, provides a convenient framework for students who work while studying and guarantees equal, high-level educational content as on-campus counterparts.

Online learning allows access to lectures and materials in multiple formats and is beneficial for people with limited time.

What Is the Typical Course Load for an Interior Design Degree?

An interior design major will examine different fields such as design, architecture, and technology.

The core courses concentrate on laying a solid theoretical base, as well as providing practical and transferable skills needed in the jobs within the area.

Here's a glimpse of the typical course load:

• Design principles and elements
• Sustainable design
• Barrier-free design
• Computer-aided drafting
• Survey of interior design
• Topics in color

How To Get Into an Interior Design Program

Qualifying for an interior design program starts with fulfilling the specified requirements set by the institution.

Here's a breakdown of the typical admission process:

• Academic Requirements: Make sure that you fulfill academic prerequisites, which would consist of SAT scores, transcripts, and degrees corresponding to your field of study.
• Additional Materials: Prepare additional materials like a personal essay or a letter of intent stating your interest in the program. Get recommendation letters from teachers, employers, or other design professionals.
• Portfolio Submission: Some programs may even ask for your resume and portfolio at the graduate level as a way to assess your design skills and qualifications.

Start Your Interior Design Degree Today

In pursuit of the easiest interior design degrees, students are encouraged to seize the opportunity to start an interesting and meaningful journey into this industry.

With a blend of artistic and technical expertise, graduates can confidently step into the vibrant and exciting world of interior design, shaping spaces with creativity and innovation.