Best Online Interior Design Degree Programs of 2023

The University of Nebraska is a public university based in Lincoln, NE. The school offers several highly-ranked online programs, including a Master of Science in Architecture with a focus on interior design. This program has been ranked as a top 10 and top five interior design program by Value College and OnlineMasters.com. Students learn to integrate design research into professional practice, sustainability, health and wellness, senior living, aging in place, and learning environments. The 36-hour program is entirely online, though, with permission from the program director, students may be able to take some courses on-campus if they desire. The degree can be earned in two years, and throughout the program, students are encouraged to participate in internships and fieldwork to gain real-world experience.

Ball State University offers a flexible online Master in Interior Design program that allows students the choice to pursue either a Master of Arts or a Master of Science. The program emphasizes research and theory, and students will take courses covering important topics like design theory, environmental psychology, graphic communication skills, and accessibility. Ball State University is ideal for students interested in sustainable design as the school's socially-responsible curriculum emphasizes teaching students about environmentally friendly design and universal design. Online classes have an average of eight students, meaning each student will have the opportunity to engage with their instructors and receive a personalized learning experience.

Savannah College of Art and Design's undergraduate and graduate interior design programs have received several high rankings, including seven consecutive rankings in DesignIntelligence's "Best Architecture and Design Schools." The master's program is available online and consists of courses that cover important topics like environmental psychology for interior design, research methods, contemporary issues in design, and emerging interior materials. The school is also home to SCADpro, an in-house creative consultancy, giving students unique access to opportunities for real-world experience. SCADpro partners with select students and professors to research, design, and deliver innovative solutions for brands like HP, Nasa, and Fox Sports.

For students interested in pursuing a Master of Science in Interior Architecture, Boston Architectural College offers a highly-ranked, post-professional online degree aimed at interior designers. This 30-credit program will help students develop a deeper understanding of design strategies and research through fully-online classes and two virtual weekend intensives. Distance learners will experience the same rigorous curriculum provided on campus and learn from instructors with professional experience in the field of interior architecture. The comprehensive curriculum covers essential topics, including design strategies for interior and research methods. Students are required to complete two theses, and during the third semester, they will need to complete a guided research project that includes an intensive on-site component.

Brenau University's Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design is aimed at students that already have a background in interior design and want to expand their professional skill set. This program is an excellent choice for aspiring educators as it requires students to develop and teach an undergraduate-level interior design course to prepare them to teach at the college level. Brenau's interior design program covers several subjects within the field of interior design, including computer-aided technology, emerging design styles, and sustainable interior design. To be eligible for this program, students must have an undergraduate degree in interior design, architecture, or a related field.

Chatham University's Master of Interior Architecture program utilizes a hybrid format, making it best suited for students who want additional flexibility while still being able to engage with their peers and instructors in person. This program is also part of Chatham's integrated degree program, allowing students pursuing a bachelor of interior architecture to begin taking graduate classes during their senior year and obtain their master's more quickly. Full-time students are able to gain practical experience by participating in graduate assistantships and fellowships, which allow them to conduct research with faculty members, assist with teaching, and participate in campus projects. Students can take advantage of a dedicated CAD lab for interior design students, several design studios, and a resource room full of sustainable materials during their studies.

Based in Nacogdoches, TX, Stephen F. Austin State University is a public institution that offers a selection of online master's programs, including a Master of Science in Interior Design. This program provides students with the foundational skills they need to launch their design careers. Students will learn from instructors who have decades of commercial experience and will gain a deeper understanding of how to create sustainable and functional spaces. The program can be completed in 30 hours with a thesis or 36 hours without a thesis, with the former being better suited for students that want to pursue a career in higher education. Stephen F. Austin is a great choice for students who need to apply for aid as the university offers scholarships for first-year, graduate, and honors students, some of which provide as much as $5,000 per academic year.

The Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design program at New Jersey Institute of Technology is a 120-credit program that's accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. Coursework in this undergraduate program focuses on design theory and history, structural and technical systems, environmental and cultural contexts of built environments, and professional practice considerations. The program also emphasizes using 21st century technologies such as digital media and information technology, in interior design practice and products. Students who complete this degree program will be ready to design residential and non-residential spaces that are functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing.

Students who are seeking a diploma in interior design may want to consider the Interior Design Associate diploma program at Century College. This is a 48-credit program that can be completed in less than two years with a mixture of daytime, evening, and online classes. Students in the diploma program will learn key design skills, including sustainable design, lighting fundamentals, design and color, and more. They'll be able to synthesize those lessons into a professional portfolio that they can use as a tool for getting a job and finding clients. The comprehensive curriculum also includes coursework in business-related areas like sales and marketing.

Florida State College at Jacksonville offers a 75-credit hybrid Associate in Science in Interior Design Technology program that blends theory, practical training and real-life experience to prepare graduates for interior design careers or further education. While general education courses for this program can be completed online, the core major courses are offered in-person at FSCJ's Kent Campus. Core courses cover essential elements of interior design such as principles of design, furniture and accessory arrangement, drawing and rendering, and computer-aided design. Students cap off the program by participating in an internship to gain hands-on experience in the interior design industry.