The Best Interior Decorating & Design Programs

You can pursue training in interior design at a top-ranked school.

Interior decorating and design refers to the purposeful application and organization of space, materials, lighting and furnishings in the interiors of a variety of building types, including residential, commercial and industrial settings. The industry journal "Design Intelligence" ranks schools for interior design education. These programs provide a rigorous curriculum with the added benefits of an excellent reputation and professional affiliations within the industry. Does this Spark an idea?

University of Cincinnati

The College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning at the University of Cincinnati offers a Bachelor of Science degree in interior design. This comprehensive five-year program addresses the planning of interior and experiential spaces. Course topics include art history, building, design principles, interior design theory, computer skills, place and dwelling, interior design history, graphic representation, fiber materials, millwork and furniture design. General education coursework in natural science, humanities, English composition, social science and business skills are also required. This program also integrates six quarters of cooperative work experience in interior design companies, architecture firms, public agencies or related commercial companies.

University of Cincinnati

College of Design, Architecture, Art & Planning

5470 Aronoff Center, P.O. Box 210016

Cincinnati, OH 45221-0016

513-556-1346

uc.edu

Pratt Institute

The Pratt Institute provides both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Science in interior design. The undergraduate program combines both aesthetic development and practical application of interior design principles. Course requirements include drawing, 3-dimensional design, art history, 4-D design, lighting and color, architectural drawing, materials, construction systems, furniture design and environmental theory. The graduate program is intended to develop professional knowledge and skills in students from diverse backgrounds. Course topics include color and materials, architectural drawing, design concepts, construction, computer-aided design, lighting design and the history of interior design.

Pratt Institute

200 Willboughby Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11205

718-636-3630

pratt.edu

Cornell University

The College of Human Ecology at Cornell University offers a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in interior design. It is currently the only interior design program available at an Ivy League school. This program focuses on the development of technical skills, problem-solving abilities and creative thinking. Course requirements include design graphics, human-environment relations, building technology, digital graphics, computer-aided design, digital communications, interior history and theory, materials, sustainable design, construction documentation and studio applications. General education coursework in the humanities, social science, written communication, statistics and natural science are also required.

Cornell University

410 Thurston Ave

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY 14850-2488

607-255-5471

cornell.edu

References

• University of Cincinnati: Top Ten Rankings by Design Intelligence
• University of Cincinnati: Bachelor of Science in Interior Design
• Pratt Institute: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design
• Pratt Institute: Master of Science in Interior Design
• Cornell University: Bachelor of Science in Interior Design

Resources

• Read this Article in UK English