Interior Design: What Major to Choose?

I'm interested in pursuing interior design as a career, but I'm not sure what major would be the best fit. Can someone tell me which major I should choose for a career in interior design and what coursework or focus areas I should be looking into?

Hello! It's awesome that you want to pursue interior design as a career. To start, you'd ideally want to choose a major that specifically focuses on interior design. Many colleges and universities offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Interior Design. These programs are typically accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and are tailored to help you build the skills needed for a successful career in this field.

If a school you’re interested in doesn’t offer a specific interior design major, you can also consider majors such as architecture, industrial design, or even visual arts with a focus on interiors. Make sure to review the courses offered within each program to ensure they still align with your career goals and interests in interior design.

When it comes to coursework, look for programs that offer a strong foundation in both design principles and practical skills. You'll want to learn about spatial planning, materials, color theory, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and project management. In addition to these core subjects, courses in sustainable design, building codes, and interior lighting can also be beneficial, especially depending on your more specific interests within the broader field of interior design.

Good luck with choosing the right major and building towards a successful interior design career!