What Major Would Interior Design Be Under?
Interior design is where art meets science. It's about making indoor spaces not just beautiful—but also useful, safe, and comfortable. A home, office, or hotel isn’t just walls and furniture. How it feels and functions depends on good interior design.
As professional interior designers here at Archiconnect, one question we often hear is: “What major should I study to become an interior designer?”
If you're a student thinking about this career or just curious about how designers get here, let’s walk you through the path.
What Major Is Interior Design Under?
Interior Design is usually its own major. You can study it under degrees like:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Interior Design
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Interior Design
Depending on the university, it may fall under these departments:
- The College of Art and Design focuses on creative expression and visual style, with a more artistic approach to learning.
- The School of Architecture emphasizes structure and spatial design, using a more technical and architectural style of learning.
- The College of Human Ecology (or Family and Consumer Sciences) centers on human-centered living and sustainability, with a focus on the living experience and comfort.
So, the major is Interior Design, but the department it's under can shape how it is taught.
Degrees and Specializations in Interior Design
Not all interior designers study the same way. Here are some degree options:
Bachelor Degrees (Most Common):
- BFA (Creative-heavy): Focuses on art, design, and presentation.
- BS (Technical route): More about building codes, lighting, and 3D modeling.
- BA (Balanced): Mixes both creative and academic sides.
Master’s Degrees:
- For design educators or those going deeper (e.g., sustainable design, interior architecture).
Short Courses or Online Certificates:
- Great for people changing careers or adding skills.
Example: Many designers start with a BFA in Interior Design and later specialize in areas like lighting design, green design, or space planning.
Related Majors for Aspiring Interior Designers
What if your college or local university doesn’t offer a major in interior design? You can still build the right skills with these degrees:
- Architecture (Strong base in building structure & space)
- Industrial or Product Design (Learn furniture and physical layout)
- Fine Arts / Studio Art (Trains your creative eye)
- Environmental Design (Focuses on user experience & sustainability)
- Graphic Design (Helpful for presentations and 3D renders)
What Do You Learn in an Interior Design Major?
Here’s a look at what design students actually study. It’s fun—but also very detailed.
- Space Planning – How to use room layouts smartly.
- Color Theory & Materials – What colors and textures work best together.
- CAD & 3D Software – Tools like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit.
- Lighting & Ergonomics – How light affects mood & how people move in a space.
- Building Codes & Safety – Making sure designs meet law and safety rules.
- Environmental Psychology – How a space can impact emotions.
Career Path After Studying Interior Design
Once the schooling is done, many exciting careers open up:
Job Titles:
- Interior Designer
- Interior Architect
- Furniture Designer
- Space Planner
- Set Designer
Average Salary (as per Indeed U.S. data, 2024):
$55,000 – $75,000/year depending on skills & location.
Growth Factors:
- Internships during college.
- Strong design portfolio (with real or mock interiors).
- Skill in software tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Lumion, InDesign).
- Working with professional firms (like Archiconnect) or freelancing.
How to Become a Professional Interior Designer
Here’s the usual step-by-step journey:
- Choose the right major (Interior Design or related).
- Finish an accredited degree program.
- Build a strong portfolio with your best design work.
- Get licensed or certified, especially if working abroad.
- Join design communities (like ASID, IIDA).
- Start designing – for yourself, a firm, or clients.
Top Colleges and Online Programs for Interior Design
If you’re choosing where to study, here are some world-leading design schools:
Top Interior Design Colleges Worldwide:
- Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
- Parsons School of Design
- Pratt Institute
- Royal College of Art (UK)
Online / Flexible Programs:
- New York Institute of Art and Design (Online)
- Coursera (with university-backed certificates)
- LinkedIn Learning (Short skill-based courses)
When picking a school, look for:
- Accreditation
- Portfolio support
- Career guidance
Final Thoughts: Turning Education into Practice
Interior design is both creative and technical, and it's usually studied under Art, Architecture, or Design schools. But what matters most is building your skill and understanding how people live and work in spaces.
If you’re dreaming of becoming a designer—or working with one—start learning, stay inspired, and connect with experts.
FAQ Section
What degree is best for interior design?
A BFA or BS in Interior Design is the best path for most.
Is interior design under architecture or art?
It can be under either—but it’s often a mix of both fields.
Can I become an interior designer without a degree?
Yes—but you’ll need lots of hands-on experience and a great portfolio.
What are the best online interior design degrees?
New York Institute of Art and Design or Coursera's university programs.
What is the average salary for interior designers?
In the U.S., it's around 55,000 –75,000 per year. It varies by skill and location.
What major to be an interior designer?
Interior Design Major under Art, Architecture, or Design school.
What category does interior design fall under?
It falls under Creative Arts, Design, or Architecture, depending on the context.
Which field is best for interior design?
A balance of art and technical design is ideal — such as a BFA in Interior Design.
What subjects do I need to study interior design?
Color theory, space planning, CAD tools, design history, lighting, and materials.
