The USA., also known as the Promised Land and the Land of Dreams, is an interior design paradise. It is natural for interior designers to travel to the country solely to study with the best interior professionals in the US. The best way to begin your career in interior design is to research the best interior design schools. To help save time we have narrowed down a list of 10 top Interior Design Institutes in America that are globally reputable.
Why an Interior Design Institute?
Interior design is a multifaceted profession in which technical and creative solutions within a structure create a built interior environment. An interior design institute is a boutique college that specializes in teaching interior design and architecture. The college’s specialized curriculum provides each student with a personalized education from student-focused faculty who enjoy teaching.
Interior Design degrees can be studied as a single subject or in conjunction with a complimentary area. You can study in your own time and at your own pace to get the most out of every module. Normally, you would expect to dedicate an average of 4-6 hours per week for 24 weeks. However, many students take up to one year to complete their studies because of family or work commitments.
Students can learn the most current designs and techniques from a faculty of successful working professionals in different modules. These modules are similar to short courses and are specially formulated materials to challenge motivated students to achieve more.
12 Modules in Interior Design:
- Visual Language of Interior Design
- History of Style, Decoration and Architecture
- Design Styles
- Space Planning
- Lighting
- Color
- Interior Finishes
- Decorative Textiles and Fabrics
- Furniture, Art and Accessories
- Working With Clients
- Visual Communication
- Setting Up an Interior Design Business
These modules can develop your design skills and gain an insight into the work of an interior designer and an understanding of the skills required for a career in this exciting industry.
Top 10 Interior Design Institutes in America:
Whether you’re looking for an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in interior design, the best institutions are the ones you’re eyeing. From identifying core design principles to the details of the interior designer hiring process, these institutes have so much to offer in their courses. Let’s look at these top-rated design universities in America:
1. New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) – NYC
Founded in 1916, NYSID is a specialized interior design school known for its focus on comprehensive and innovative instruction. With 600 undergraduate and master’s students, NYSID offers some of the most advanced education available in the U.S. In 2016, NYSID’s graduate programs were ranked fourth in the country, and its undergraduate programs were ranked fifth. Within six months of graduation, 92% of undergraduates and 94% of postgraduates found employment. NYSID is CIDA accredited and offers A.A.S. and B.F.A. degrees.
2. Design Institute of San Diego
At the Design Institute, small class sizes ensure that students receive personalized attention and gain the most from their studies. This private college emphasizes turning a passion for interior design into a successful career, with a strong focus on sustainable design principles and social responsibility. The institute’s emphasis on high standards is evident in the fact that 84% of students found work in the interior design field within six months of graduating in 2018.
3. Auburn University – Alabama
Auburn University’s interior design program is known for its selective admissions process and rigorous curriculum. Students must complete a pre-planned academic year before being evaluated for the interior design certificate program, which spans nine semesters. Auburn offers a Master of Science (M.S.) and a doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in Consumer and Design Sciences, as well as a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Interior Design. The program is CIDA accredited.
4. Pratt Institute, New York
Based in Brooklyn, Pratt Institute encourages students to explore both local and global perspectives by integrating interior design with broader issues of habitation, cities, and society. It offers undergraduate and masters degrees that focus on innovation and technology, sustainable practices, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students can also study at the Danish International School during the spring semester.
5. Interior Designers Institute
Interior Designers Institute is a boutique college specializing in interior design and architecture. It is a private college and interior design institute Newport Beach focusing on design-related courses. The college’s specialized curriculum allows students to receive individualized education from student-focused faculty who love teaching. I.D.I.’s mission is to solely produce interior design graduates who become some of the country’s most well-known and successful designers.
The institute continues to emphasize high educational standards supported by a faculty of design industry leaders, progressive classes, and placement opportunities. Interior design learning has maintained a culture of personalized attention. This standard of excellence reflects the institute’s commitment to current and future students and the design community.
6. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) – Rhode Island
RISD stands out as one of the most prestigious design schools in the country, consistently ranked among the top. Design Intelligence placed it fourth and Design Schools Hub ranked it third. At the undergraduate level, RISD’s “Interior Studies” programs allow students to specialize in one of three areas through advanced design studios: stage design, exhibition design, or retail design. The school offers M.A., B.F.A., and M.Des. degrees and boasts a high concentration of talented artists.
7. Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD)
Recognized by Design Intelligence and Red Dot Design Rankings, Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) is among the best interior design schools in the U.S. The college offers students access to SCADpro, an in-house consultancy providing hands-on industry experience. With a focus on various career paths from interior design to healthcare facility design, SCAD also offers early pre-college programs.
8. Syracuse University – N.Y.C.
Syracuse University combines a liberal arts education with a focus on interior design, offering students a well-rounded experience. The program includes studio courses in fine arts and crafts, making it ideal for those seeking both a design-focused and liberal arts education. Syracuse offers B.F.A. degrees and is CIDA accredited.
9. Michigan State University (MSU)
MSU is one of the top interior design colleges in Michigan, offering a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design. The public institution, founded in 1855, is situated on a 5,192-acre suburban campus with an undergraduate enrollment of 39,201 (fall 2022).
The program focuses on design theory, technology, and sustainability, with internships and study abroad opportunities. Michigan State University is ranked #60 in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges under National Universities. Tuition and fees are $15,372 for in-state students and $41,958 for out-of-state students.
10. Academy of Art University – San Francisco
At the Academy of Art University, the School of Interior Architecture & Design offers a balanced approach to education, integrating conceptual, theoretical, and practical instruction. Graduates are well-prepared for careers as visualization specialists and project designers. The school provides B.F.A. and M.A. degrees, is CIDA accredited, and also offers a four-year interior design certificate program.
Conclusion
Whether you are a student considering a career in interior design or an experienced designer looking to obtain a university degree, your options are limitless. This list of the top Interior Design Institutes in America highlights excellent schools where you can obtain a solid educational foundation in interior design. Go ahead and reserve your spot after choosing the right program for you.
