Best Online Master’s in Interior Design Programs of 2025

Students who graduate with a master’s in interior design can find work with residential or commercial design firms, become design directors or project managers, or even start their own interior design companies. They can pursue careers as exhibition designers, production designers for theater/television/film, visual merchandisers, designers in the healthcare sector, or teachers of interior design. This degree can also be helpful for those working in architecture, graphic design, furniture design, and textile design.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for an interior designer is $62,510. And according to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition for a graduate degree program is $12,596 at public universities and $28,017 at private universities. Students who study full-time can typically complete a master’s in interior design program within two years.

Choose your area of study

This degree may be offered as a Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Arts (MA). Furthermore, some programs allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field, such as architecture, retail exhibits, lighting, or furniture design. If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for programs that closely match these career goals.

Research schools and programs

You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.

Ideally, your master’s in interior design program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). This programmatic accrediting organization has particularly high standards for interior design education.

You should also check the total cost of the program. And does the program offer several start dates throughout the year or begin at the same time as on-campus programs?

Finally, consider the location of the university. While many programs are available entirely online, others have a hybrid option where students can attend some courses on campus. This would give you opportunities to get better acquainted with your fellow students and instructors as well as get more involved in student clubs and organizations, mentorship programs, on-campus events, and other activities. Even if you plan to study online, the school’s location may be something to consider.

To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.

Prepare for tests and applications

Application requirements vary by school and program.

Most universities require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in interior design or a related field from an accredited college or university. Students must submit their official transcripts with their application to confirm that they have the appropriate degree or coursework and meet minimum GPA requirements.

Other common requirements include your resume, one or more letters of recommendation, a personal statement explaining why you want to earn this degree, and a portfolio showing your previous work. GRE scores may also be required. Always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.

Select your program

When selecting a program, carefully consider the research you’ve done, and look at the components of each option. You may not find the “perfect” program, so decide which elements are most important to you. Then, make a list, in order of preference, of the programs you’d like to enroll in and apply to them all.

Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

You should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year. Check what scholarships are offered by the university or other institutions, and research what federal and state loans and grants are available. Some students take advantage of work-study programs offered through the university or federal government, and if none are available and you have room in your schedule, you can work a part-time job to help pay for your degree. Those who already work in the field should see if their employer offers tuition reimbursement as well.

Be sure to speak to financial aid counselors at the schools you’re interested in for the most accurate and specific information about program cost.