The Best Online Master’s in Interior Design Programs
Summary of work: More than 42 hours of research. Every online Master’s in Interior Design program in the US analyzed. 18 industry experts, hiring managers, current students, and alumni consulted. Top 8 programs identified.
Overview
Interior designers are behind the most engaging office environments and comfortable homes you see today. Professionals use their understanding of space and design to improve the interiors of buildings to foster an aesthetically pleasing and healthy environment. With the rise in technology, interior designers now have a large range of tools to create innovative spaces. To ensure they are on the cutting edge of interior design, many consider obtaining a master’s degree.
A master’s program in interior design offers intensive training in the design of interiors spaces. Courses in emerging design materials and research methods allows students to develop the skills they need to adapt to developing technology and design theory. Students can also choose to focus in education environments, work environments, and even environmentally conscious design to become specialized experts. As a result, classrooms become more engaging, homes become more relaxing, and work environments ensure employee happiness.
-
WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MASTER'S IN INTERIOR DESIGN?
-
CAN I GET A MASTER'S IN INTERIOR DESIGN ONLINE?
-
HOW WELL ACCEPTED ARE ONLINE INTERIOR DESIGN DEGREES?
-
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A MASTER'S IN INTERIOR DESIGN?
-
IS A MASTER'S IN INTERIOR DESIGN WORTH IT?
The rise of co-working spaces and startups has created new environments of innovation. More than ever, people and businesses want engaging spaces that foster the creativity and happiness of those who inhabit them. With a master’s degree in interior design, professionals can join the forefront of such creativity.
For more more resources and career information related to this degree, please read our career guide here.
Our Methodology
Best Online Masters in Interior Design Programs
We took a deep-dive and analyzed every online Masters in Interior Design program in the nation. Below are the results of our analysis and a list of the 8 best online Masters in Interior Design programs.
Read about our methodology here.
Brenau University
500 Washington St SE Gainesville, GA 30501Brenau University students learn more than the skills needed to succeed as professional interior designers in the field; they also gain the knowledge to teach interior design as university or college professors. With an affordable tuition rate, a reputable faculty and flexible scheduling, Brenau is a great choice in terms of overall value for students who want to earn their master's degree online.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Interior Design
Program Name: Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design
Available Concentrations: Human Environment, Design Environment
Accrediting Body: CIDA
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 54 credits
Program LengthProgram start dates: Summer, Fall, Spring
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Summer: April 15; Fall: June 15; Spring: November 15
GPA: 3.0
Graduation Rate
47%
School Type
Private
Tuition
$695 per credit
Savannah College of Art and Design
342 Bull St Savannah, GA 31402Savannah College of Art and Design offers numerous financial support opportunities for incoming students in the online master's in interior design program. Whether it's grants, scholarship funding or assistance with student loans, Savannah College makes sure that students receive some kind of assistance to ease the financial burden when enrolling in the program.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Design
Program Name: Master of Art in Interior Design
Accrediting Body: Council for Interior Design Accreditation
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous, Synchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 45 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, Part-time
Program start dates: Fall
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0
Graduation Rate
69%
School Type
Private
Tuition
$4,170 per course
Academy of Art University
79 New Montgomery St San Francisco, CA 94105Academy of Art University acknowledges credit hours from accredited universities, making it the best online interior design program for students who have earned credits in a related field. Students can have as many as six credits transferred to the program to reduce the number of courses that they need to graduate.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Interior Architecture & Design
Program Name: Master of Arts in Interior Architecture & Design
Accrediting Body: CIDA
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 2.0
Graduation Rate
33%
School Type
Private
Tuition
$1,031 per credit
Ball State University
2000 W University Ave Muncie, IN 47306Ball State University's online master's in interior design program places distance learners in a modern virtual classroom that offers interactivity and 24/7 technical support. Students have access to live video and audio lessons, discussion boards and online labs to practice what they've learned throughout the program.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Construction Management and Interior Design
Program Name: Master's Degree in Interior Design
Accrediting Body: CIDA
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 33 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: July 1; Spring: December 1; Summer: April 1
GPA: 3.0
Graduation Rate
59%
School Type
Public
Tuition
In-state: $410 per credit; Out-of-state: $616 per credit
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
1400 R St Lincoln, NE 68588The University of Nebraska has professional faculty members who not only teach the master's in interior design program but are also active in their own profession. They teach on campus and also provide full support for online students, ensuring 100 percent completion of their degree. The faculty are also nationally recognized in diverse areas of teaching, research, and creative activity. Because of this diversity there is great flexibility and opportunity for students to work with faculty to align their interests and customize a meaningful graduate research and learning experience.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Architecture
Program Name: The Master of Science in Architecture
Available Concentrations: Interior Design
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate Degree in Architecture, Interior Design or a closely-related field
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2-3 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0
Graduation Rate
67%
School Type
Public
Tuition
In-state: $428 per credit; Out-of-state: $869 per credit
University of California - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA 90095UCLA Extension's online master's in interior design program is offered in an accelerated format for students who want to earn their degree quickly. Full-time students can complete the entire 44-unit program in four quarters, or roughly one year.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Architecture & Interior Design
Program Name: Master of Interior Architecture
Available Concentrations: Architects & Interior Designers, Business for Interior Design, History of Environmental Arts
Accrediting Body: CIDA
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 63 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time
Program Length: 1 year
Program start dates: Spring 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: October 2 - December 15, 2018
GPA: 3.0
Graduation Rate
80.5%
School Type
Public
Tuition
$31,500 per program
Boston Architectural College
320 Newbury Street Boston, MA 2115Boston Architectural College provides a flexible master's in interior design program for working professionals who have obligations outside of school. Students can tailor the online classes to suit both their needs and schedule and complete the entire program in three years.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Interior Architecture
Program Name: Master of Science in Interior Architecture
Accrediting Body: NEASC
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, Part-time
Program Length: 3 years
Program start dates: Fall: August; Spring: January
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: October 15; Fall: March 15
GPA: 2.5
Work Experience: Portfolio or Work Sample
Graduation Rate
17%
School Type
Private
Tuition
$2,020 per credit
Chatham University
1 Woodland Road Pittsburgh, PA 15232Chatham University provides online students with two options for earning their master's in interior design degree: learning completely online or taking hybrid classes. Both program options feature the same coursework and requirements; however, the hybrid option is perfect for local Pittsburgh students who want to experience hands-on training in the university's state-of-the-art facilities.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Continuing and Professional Studies
Program Name: Master of Science in Interior Architecture
Available Concentrations: Interior Design
Accrediting Body: Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
DeliveryFormat: Online, On-Campus
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, Part-time
Program Length: 1 year
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: July 1; Spring: November 1
GPA: 3.0
Graduation Rate
56%
Tuition
$930 per credit