Many of us can appreciate the beauty of interior design, but how many actually stop and think about how a room was put together, how it functions or whether it serves a larger purpose?
If you’re considering an online master’s in interior design, you may be one of these rare people. With a graduate degree in the field, you can put your imagination and creativity to work, creating opportunities to plan and manage projects, implement sustainability and wellness initiatives, and help organizations overcome compliance and code challenges.
Whether you want to pursue a leadership position or start your own firm, earning a master’s in interior design online can help you get there—but first, you have to choose a program. To get you started with that process, we’ve highlighted three accredited, nonprofit U.S. universities offering online master’s in interior design degrees.
Our Methodology
- Best Master’s in Interior Design Online Options
- Featured Partner
- Should You Enroll in an Online Master’s in Interior Design Program?
- Accreditation for Online Master’s Degrees in Interior Design
- How To Find the Right Interior Design Master’s Program for You
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Master’s in Interior Design Programs
Best Master’s in Interior Design Online Options
Should You Enroll in an Online Master’s in Interior Design Program?
An online master’s in interior design may put a graduate degree within your reach, but how well the program suits you depends on you and your situation. Before committing to a degree like this, consider how an online program would fit your scheduling needs and learning style.
Compared to on-campus programs, online programs usually offer considerably more scheduling flexibility. Online courses may run asynchronously or synchronously, with the latter often taking place during evenings and weekends. If you have a job or a busy home life, studying online can make graduate school more doable.
However, online programs also require more independence than their on-campus counterparts. Outside of the traditional classroom environment, you may need to find creative ways to organize and motivate yourself. Not everyone can thrive in a virtual classroom, so it’s important to be honest with yourself about your self-motivation and time management skills.
Accreditation for Online Master’s Degrees in Interior Design
Institutional accreditation officially endorses that a school has met high academic standards according to an organization approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the United States Department of Education (ED).
Among other things, the accreditation process evaluates the quality of a school’s faculty, mission, resources, academic offerings and conduct. You must attend an accredited college to qualify for federal student aid. Plus, the credits earned at an accredited university will more easily qualify for transfer to other accredited institutions.
Similarly, programmatic accreditation denotes quality in specific programs and departments. In the interior design field, the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) accredits programs across the world, but they primarily focus on bachelor’s programs. All three of the schools on our list have CIDA-accredited bachelor’s programs, but none hold programmatic accreditation at the master’s level.
How To Find the Right Interior Design Master’s Program for You
Consider Your Future Goals
The interior design field explores the art and science of indoor spaces, but each program has its own unique focus and attributes. During the selection process, you should look for a program that would propel you toward your goals for the future.
For example, if you have a particular area of interest within interior design—such as furniture design or sustainability—prioritize programs with specializations or courses in those disciplines. You might also explore schools with reputable faculty or organizational partnerships in those fields.
If you need to develop experience or a portfolio, seek out programs that support and facilitate these endeavors. If you want to teach after graduation, look for a program that offers courses in curriculum design or teaching and assessment.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
For the schools and programs on this page, tuition prices fall between $451 and $890 per credit. With the average master’s program requiring between 36 and 45 credits, you can expect total tuition for an online master’s in interior design to cost between $16,236 and $40,050.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate tuition cost $19,749 per year on average in the 2020-21 school year. That puts the most expensive program on this list in line with the average two-year program. The most affordable program on this page comes in at less than half that.
Regardless of the cost, all online students should consider submitting the FAFSA, which is often required to qualify learners for federal aid, state government aid, scholarships, grants and other types of student aid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Master’s in Interior Design Programs
Can you get a master’s in interior design online?
Yes. You can get a master’s in interior design online, including an MA, MS and MFA in interior design. These programs usually take two years to complete.
Is online interior design worth it?
Yes. Online interior design programs can be very worthwhile for the right student. A master’s in interior design online, for example, may help you qualify for leadership or teaching positions in the field.
Can I study interior design online?
Yes. You can study interior design online, making use of digital technologies and virtual design studios. Some online programs have internship or project requirements that may require in-person participation.