Students interested in pursuing a career in interior design and interior decorating have many choices available to them. Because interior design firms and clients wanting to hire independent designers expect highly qualified, well-trained professionals, some form of higher education is almost always required. Depending on your career goals and academic drive, you may wish to enroll in a four-year bachelor’s degree program that combines general education classes and an interior design major; a shorter professional program from an art school; or a graduate-level program in interior design. In an undergraduate degree program, you may have the choice of earning a BA in Interior Design or a BFA in Interior Design. BFA degrees are usually more artistically intensive and require students to complete more major or concentration hours. Both bachelor’s degree programs will also require students to complete courses from a general academics curriculum, giving students a well-rounded college experience that helps prepare them for future management positions and makes them more competitive in the business world. They can be completed from an online school, a traditional four-year university or from an art school that offers bachelor’s degree programs. Most bachelor’s degree holders in interior design are qualified for entry-level apprenticeship positions.

Another track of study for pursuing a career in interior design is opting to enroll in an art school or vocational school. These programs will offer certificates, diplomas or associate’s degrees in interior design. Associate’s degrees generally combine interior design courses with general academic courses and may even be offered online. Graduates of these programs have an introductory-level understanding of the concepts and skills needed to be an interior designer and are eligible for enrollment in a bachelor’s degree program or as an entry-level assistant in the industry.

Students who want a more competitive edge professionally and a more intense experience academically may want to pursue a master’s degree in interior design. These are offered as MA degrees or as MFA degrees and are usually offered through art schools or campus-based universities. All interior design programs will cover topics in interior design basics like visual dynamics, using space and learning about different materials. Bachelor’s and master’s degree programs will also require students to complete more studio and/or internship hours.

Top Online Programs

A.A. in Information Technology B.S. in Web Development B.S. in Communications	University of Phoenix – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree – The University of Phoenix prepares students for the rapidly evolving multi-million dollar industry of World Wide Web designing and interactive media. The programs offered at the institute teaches students everything from developing their skills in drawing and design to learning programming and scripting techniques.
B.S. in Web Development B.S. in Communication A.A.S. in Information Technology	Kaplan University – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree - Kaplan University offers a web design degree that could be completed in as few as 12 months. This allows students to earn their degree at an accelerated pace and be on their way to advancing in their career in web design.
B.F.A. in Web Design A.A.B.A. in Visual Communications B.F.A. in Digital Design	American InterContinental University – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree – For those interested in the exciting career of web design, American InterContinental Universitye will help them prepare with their staff of knowledgeable and skilled professionals who have had prior experience working in the web design industry. The program is a great choice for those seeking to pursue a career in web design, web development, graphic design, graphic art, or web publications designer.
A.S. in Web Design B.F.A. in Graphic Design B.A. in Fashion Merchandising	International Academy of Design & Technology – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree - Since 1977, the International Academy of Design and Technology Online has helped thousands of students prepare for a career in which their creativity and talents are respected and valued. Their affordable courses allow individuals with a passion for web design to advance in their career.
B.S. in Web Design & Multimedia B.S. in Visual Communications A.S. in Graphic Design & Multimedia	Westwood College – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree – Westwood College's programs consists of courses in design theory, web design, imaging and advanced web technology to help students build valuable portfolios for potential employers. They offer their programs completely online, allowing flexibility for working individuals or individuals with other time contraints.
A.S. in Web Graphic Design B.C.I.S. in Web Development B.C.I.S. in Web Game Programming	DeVry University – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree – DeVry University has helped thousands of students apply practical skills to produce high-quality graphics and develop many types of graphic media. They are ideal for many students because of their affordable and convenient programs available online.
B.A. in Visual Communications B.A. in Art History	Ashford University – Bachelor's Degree - Dedicated to helping intellectual, professional, and creative individuals, Ashford University offers one of the best web design degrees online. Their web design courses are very convenient and achieveablefor students who have restricting schedules.
B.S. in Web Design A.S. in Web Design Diploma in Web Design	The Art Institute of Pittsburgh – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree - The Art Institute of Pittsburgh provides students with the opportunity to learn the latest software and programming applications to compete in the highly competitive, yet rewarding, web design industry. They place special emphasis on the practical application of web development skills and how to effectively use them for organizations.