Best Interior Design Schools in the USA - GeeksforGeeks (2024)

An interior design education is becoming more important for professionals in the domain. In most states, you cannot call yourself an out-and-out interior designer until and unless you have a license or a particular level of education.

If you are thinking of becoming an interior designer and pursuing it from foreign schools, then the United States is the perfect country to do so. The United States of America is home to several accredited colleges and universities that offer interior design degrees.

The best perk of studying interior design in the US is that individuals who earn a degree in this domain play a vital role on the execution team and complete project design. Interior Design graduates from the USA will be closely linked with the more aesthetic and intricate vision that the client has in mind, dissimilar to interior architects involved in the project’s structural aspects.

In this blog, we have listed the best interior design schools in the United States of America that are cream of the crop. They are the most competitive of every interior design program, so be careful when putting together your application forms—you do not want to just apply to schools with low admissions fees. Here, we present you with every detail needed to pursue interior design and several other important facts.

Why Study Interior Design in the United States?

Interior design is gaining pace since it is one of the most sought-after disciplines selected by overseas candidates studying in the United States of America. Listed below are some of the top reasons to go for an interior design degree in the United States:

• Around 1.1 million international students currently reside in the United States. And the education system in the USA ranks among the best globally.
• Opting for a degree in Interior Design in the USA offers practical experience with various projects and architectural work.
• Pursuing a degree in interior design in the USA could open doors to opportunities with leading interior designers and firms nationwide.
• Earning a graduate or postgraduate degree in Interior Design in the USA presents career prospects across the country.
• The field of art and design is expected to see the creation of roughly 96,800 new jobs between 2018 and 2028, as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
• In 2020, 24 design colleges in the USA were recognized among the top 100 art and design institutions worldwide, according to the QS World University Rankings.
• Around 1.1 million international students currently reside in the United States. And the education system in the USA ranks among the best globally.
• Opting for a degree in Interior Design in the USA offers practical experience with various projects and architectural work.
• Pursuing a degree in interior design in the USA could open doors to opportunities with leading interior designers and firms nationwide.
• Earning a graduate or postgraduate degree in Interior Design in the USA presents career prospects across the country.
• The field of art and design is expected to see the creation of roughly 96,800 new jobs between 2018 and 2028, as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
• In 2020, 24 design colleges in the USA were recognized among the top 100 art and design institutions worldwide, according to the QS World University Rankings.

Course Curriculum of Interior Design in the United States

The Interior Design course curriculum in the United States covers numerous subjects to give candidates a comprehensive understanding of the domain. Outlined below is an overview of the interior design course curriculum in the USA:

• Basics of Interior Design – fundamentals principles and elements of interior design, which include design aesthetics, color theory, and spatial planning.
• Theory and history of design
• Architectural drafting and drawing – CAD (Computer-aided design) software, drafting plans, elevations, and more.
• Building materials and systems with an emphasis on sustainability and environmental considerations
• Furniture design and fabrication
• Practical studio courses under the guidance of experienced faculty members
• Professional practice and portfolio development
• Elective courses – Opportunities for candidates to explore specialized interest areas within interior design, like healthcare design, hospitality design, or sustainable design.

List of Colleges Offering Interior Design Courses in the USA

There are numerous best interior designing colleges in the USA offering diverse programs in interior design. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to consider specific factors before selecting one. You must know what interior design courses the schools in the USA offer, such as city, fees, and more.

Listed below are some of the finest interior designing schools in the United States of America:

Admission Requirements and Eligibility Criteria for Studying Interior Design in the United States

For overseas candidates, the following are the basic requirements and criteria for getting into an interior design program in the United States of America:

• For admissions to undergraduate interior design courses, candidates are required to offer a 12th-grade qualifying certificate from any recognized educational authority.
• For postgraduate courses, overseas students are required to submit undergraduate certificates in a relevant field of study. Candidates can also submit a passing certificate for a B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture).
• Candidates when applying for the respective interior designing course in the USA, the English Language Proficiency test score is vital. Nonetheless, the score differs as per the university.

1. TOEFL – 78 to 79
2. IELTS- 6.5
3. GRE- 155 to 167

Documents Required to Study Interior Design in the United States

Outlined below are the document requirements to kickoff your Interior Design course in the United States of America:

• An academic certificate or transcript that’s been evaluated by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services/World Education Services or another organization.
• Transcripts in other languages must be submitted along with their English translations.
• Candidates in the United States of America must present proof of their standardized test marks.
• A brief statement of purpose of 250 to 500 words.
• Two or three letters of recommendation
• Professional CV/Resume
• When applying to an interior design course, a portfolio is a compulsory element of the application.
• Candidates must submit a book or DVD containing 15 to 25 images or drawings to illustrate their work.
• In some scenarios, interior design schools in the United States of America may request the Vimeo links or the SlideRoom portfolio.
• Personal Interview

Admission Procedure of Interior Design Schools in the United States

Each US interior design school has its timetable for the course application. To complete the admission process to the best interior design universities in the United States, you must prepare to submit documents. Below are the steps involved in the admission procedure:

• Check the university’s official website to see if you meet the requirements for your desired program.
• Complete the online application and pay the application fee. Be sure to keep the receipt with you. After you apply, you can log in to the admissions portal to check for updates.
• Meanwhile, you can collect all the documents you need to apply for a US study permit.
• If your application is approved, you will receive an offer of admission, to which you must respond.
• Confirm your place by completing the university’s admission process and paying the tuition fee.
• You can continue to apply for a study permit after receiving confirmation of admission.

Conclusion

The interior design programs in the United States of America put forward terrific chances for candidates to move closer to their dream of creating a structural marvel or refining a workplace. A candidate will gain substantial exposure when pursuing an interior design course in the USA. Best wishes!

Best Interior Design Schools in the USA – FAQs

Are there adequate interior design schools in the USA?

Yes, there are some renowned schools in the United States of America offering numerous interior design programs. They put forth a fantastic learning experience for candidates.

What’s the overall salary package of an interior designer in the United States of America?

The average interior designer salary in the United States of America is $68,000 (INR 54,21,007). Candidates are free to pick a job that suits their personal interests.

Is the United States of America the right nation to pursue interior design programs?

Absolutely yes! There are very good opportunities for fresh graduates in the United States, with a good salary package and other perks. With the construction of establishments, including hospitals, restaurants, banks, and commercial and residential homes, the demand for interior designers has substantially increased.

Is interior design in demand in the USA?

Over the next few years, the estimated growth rate for interior design in the USA is 4 percent, indicating that it will expand at a similar pace.