Bachelor of Arts (BA): Interior Design Degree Overview
Skills learned in a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design program can be applied in a variety of industries, but these programs primarily prepare students to become interior designers. In addition to architecture courses, programs commonly include education in business-related topics, such as understanding contracts.
Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design
A Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design program typically teaches students methods for executing creative design solutions in a variety of residential and commercial spaces. Students learn to create 3-D designs and to communicate those designs through use of visual media. Throughout their studies, students participate in design studio sessions where they work to solve design problems for a variety of settings. Completion of a high school diploma or a GED generally is required for admission to such programs.
Course Topics
From architectural history to methods and materials, courses in an interior design program can help students create rooms that meet their client's specifications. Common courses include:
- Design rendering
- Floor plan development
- Color and composition
- Interior lighting
- Interior design graphics
- Marketing
- Environmental technology
- Contract documents
- Global design interface
Popular Careers
A bachelor's degree in interior design is usually the minimum education required for individuals who want to become interior designers. These programs can prepare graduates for careers in several areas of interior design. Popular specialties within the field include:
- Residential designer
- Home theater designer
- Kitchen designer
Continuing Education and Professional Credentials
Those who seek further education might pursue a Master of Arts in Interior Design. These 2-year programs often require that students complete an internship, meet research requirements and complete a thesis in order to graduate.
The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) administers the exam to qualify interior designers for licensure in states that require it. The exam covers topics like building codes and project coordination and includes a full-day test of an interior designer's skills (www.ncidq.org). Students must have at least six years of combined education and professional experience to qualify for the exam.
The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) offers voluntary certification at multiple levels for professionals who specialize in designing kitchen and bathroom spaces (www.nkba.org). Options include Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer, Certified Kitchen Designer and Certified Bath Designer.
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3 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Bachelor
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- BFA in Interior Design (Online)
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
- Michigan (1 campus)
- Washington (1)
Classroom-Based Programs
- Bachelor
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School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (2 campuses)
- California (8)
- Colorado (1)
- Florida (4)
- Georgia (2)
- Illinois (3)
- Indiana (1)
- Kansas (1)
- Massachusetts (1)
- Michigan (2)
- Minnesota (1)
- Missouri (1)
- North Carolina (2)
- Nevada (1)
- Ohio (1)
- Oregon (1)
- Pennsylvania (3)
- South Carolina (1)
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (5)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (3)
- Washington (1)
- Wisconsin (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Interior Design
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- Bachelor in Fashion Design
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Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Iowa (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Fashion Design
- General Visual Communications Design
- Graphic Design
- Interior Design and Decorating
- Musical Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
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School locations:
- Arizona (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Northern Arizona University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- General Visual Communications Design
- Interior Design and Decorating
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
- Design and Applied Arts
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School locations:
- Virginia (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Virginia Commonwealth University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Diploma
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Fashion Design
- General Visual Communications Design
- Graphic Design
- Illustration and Drawing
- Interior Design and Decorating
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
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School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Florida include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Graphic Design
- Interior Design and Decorating
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
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School locations:
- Ohio (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Cincinnati include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Advertising and Commercial Design
- Fashion Design
- Industrial Design
- Interior Design and Decorating
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
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School locations:
- Alabama (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at The University of Alabama include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Interior Design and Decorating
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
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School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Florida State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Graphic Design
- Interior Design and Decorating
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
