What Degree Is Best for an Interior Designer?

Want to become an interior designer but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Many people think you just need a good eye for color and a love of furniture - but the truth is, the best interior designers have formal training. The right degree doesn’t just help you land jobs - it gives you the skills to actually do the job well. So what degree is best for an interior designer? Let’s cut through the noise.

Why a Degree Matters in Interior Design

You can learn to arrange a sofa or pick paint colors from YouTube. But can you read architectural blueprints? Can you calculate load-bearing walls? Can you navigate building codes, ADA compliance, or fire safety regulations? That’s where a degree comes in. Real interior design isn’t just about aesthetics - it’s about safety, function, and legal responsibility.

In most U.S. states, you need a degree to sit for the NCIDQ exam - the gold standard certification for professional interior designers. Without it, you’re limited to residential projects or non-structural work. If you want to design commercial spaces, hospitals, or offices, a degree isn’t optional - it’s the entry ticket.

The Best Degree: Bachelor of Science in Interior Design

The most widely accepted and respected degree for aspiring interior designers is the Bachelor of Science in Interior Design (BSID). It’s a four-year program that blends art, architecture, engineering, and business.

Here’s what you’ll actually learn in a solid BSID program:

• Space planning and ergonomics
• Construction materials and systems
• Lighting design and electrical systems
• Building codes and accessibility standards (like ADA)
• Computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D modeling (SketchUp, AutoCAD, Revit)
• Project management and client communication
• Sustainable design and material sourcing

Programs accredited by CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation) are the ones employers trust. These programs require 60+ credit hours of design-specific coursework and at least 1,500 hours of internship experience. Graduates from CIDA-accredited schools have a 92% pass rate on the NCIDQ exam - compared to 67% for non-accredited programs.

Other Degrees That Work (and Which Ones to Avoid)

Not every design degree is created equal. Here’s what else people try - and whether it actually works:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design - Good option if the program is CIDA-accredited. Focuses more on aesthetics and creative expression. Still qualifies you for NCIDQ if it meets the credit requirements.
• Associate Degree in Interior Design - Can get you started as a junior designer or design assistant. But you won’t qualify for NCIDQ without a bachelor’s. Use this as a stepping stone, not a finish line.
• Architecture Degree - Overkill for most interior designers, but excellent if you want to work on major renovations or structural changes. Architects can legally design interiors, but it’s not the most efficient path if your goal is interiors only.
• Art History or Fashion Design - These give you a strong visual sense but lack the technical training you need. You’ll struggle with permits, contracts, and technical drawings. Not recommended unless you’re combining it with a design certificate.

One thing to watch out for: online “design certification” programs that promise you can become an interior designer in six weeks. These don’t qualify you for professional licensing or most job applications. They’re great for hobbyists - not for careers.

What You Can Do With a Degree

With a BSID, you’re not just limited to designing living rooms. You can work in:

• Residential design (luxury homes, multi-family units)
• Commercial design (offices, hotels, restaurants)
• Healthcare design (hospitals, clinics, senior living)
• Retail design (store layouts, visual merchandising)
• Exhibition and museum design
• Set design for film and TV

Salaries vary, but the median annual wage for interior designers in the U.S. is $59,700 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025). Those with a CIDA-accredited degree and NCIDQ certification earn 25% more on average. Top earners in luxury residential or corporate design can hit $90,000+.

What If You Can’t Afford a Four-Year Degree?

Cost is a real barrier. But there are smart alternatives:

• Start with an associate degree at a community college. Many have partnerships with four-year schools for seamless transfer.
• Look for scholarships. Organizations like ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) offer $1,000-$5,000 awards annually.
• Work as a design assistant while studying part-time. Many firms will pay for tuition if you commit to staying with them.
• Take online courses from accredited institutions (like the New York School of Interior Design) to build your portfolio before applying to a bachelor’s program.

One designer I spoke to - Maria from Chicago - worked as a furniture sales rep while earning her associate degree. She transferred to a CIDA-accredited school after two years, interned at a commercial design firm, and passed her NCIDQ at 24. She now runs her own firm. Her story isn’t rare.

What’s Next After the Degree?

Earning your degree is just the beginning. Here’s what you need to do next:

1. Complete your required internship hours (usually 1-2 years).
2. Pass the NCIDQ exam - it’s three parts: IDFX, IDPX, and PPD.
3. Get licensed if your state requires it (currently 25 U.S. states do).
4. Join professional organizations like ASID or IIDA - they offer networking, job boards, and continuing education.
5. Build a portfolio. Your degree gives you the skills - your portfolio proves you can use them.

Many designers start in design firms, then move into freelance work or launch their own studios. Some even go into product design - creating lighting, furniture, or textiles.

Final Thought: It’s Not About the Title - It’s About the Skills

There’s no magic degree. But there is a clear path: accredited education + hands-on experience + certification. The best degree for an interior designer is the one that gives you the skills to solve real problems - not just make a room look pretty.

If you’re serious about this career, don’t settle for shortcuts. The best designers aren’t the ones with the fanciest Instagram feeds. They’re the ones who know how to keep people safe, comfortable, and functional in the spaces they live and work in.