Best interior design schools in California?

Hi! I live in California and I'm passionate about interior design. I'd love to stay in-state for college, so I'm trying to find some of the best interior design programs here. What are your recommendations for the top interior design schools in California? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

California offers several excellent options for interior design programs. Here are a few top interior design schools worth considering based on their programs, faculty, and resources:

1. California State University, Long Beach — CSULB's highly regarded Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design emphasizes both theory and practice. The program covers various aspects of design, including color, lighting, furniture design, and digital visualization tools, and places a significant emphasis on sustainable design.

2. California College of the Arts — CCA, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design. The program focuses on design process, technology, and sustainability while encouraging creative exploration and individual expression. Students learn a variety of skills in the field through hands-on experiences such as internships and collaborative projects.

3. San Diego State University — SDSU offers a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Architecture, which combines training in interior design with architectural principles. The program includes topics like design history, materials, and environmental controls. As a part of the program, students complete several design studios, giving them hands-on experience in solving real-life design problems.

4. Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising — FIDM offers an Associate of Arts in Interior Design and a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design (for AA-Interior Design graduates). The programs focus on residential and commercial design and cover topics ranging from color theory and lighting to codes and Universal Design. Students benefit from FIDM's strong industry connections, which affords them networking opportunities and hands-on internships to gain practical experience.

5. Woodbury University — Located in Burbank, Woodbury University offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture. This program combines interior design and architecture courses to provide an interdisciplinary education that covers both commercial and residential design. Students can benefit from the school's focus on sustainable practices and community engagement, as well as opportunities for internships and collaboration with local design professionals.

6. San Francisco State University — SFSU's Bachelor of Science in Interior Design takes a holistic approach, integrating architecture, lighting, textiles, sustainability, and ergonomics. Students can participate in independent study, design competitions, and internships to gain hands-on experience in the field.

Each of these programs provides a strong foundation in interior design principles and practices, ensuring that students graduate with the skills they need to excel in the field. Explore each program carefully to determine which school and curriculum align best with your personal interests and career goals. Good luck!