Which Interior Design Degree Is Right for You?
Technical and professional practice
Choose a BS in Interior Design if you are interested in the technical side of the profession—building systems, codes, construction, sustainability, kitchen and bath, universal design, biophilic design, and project coordination.
Artistic and conceptual exploration
Choose a BFA in Interior Design if you are drawn to artistic exploration, studio practice, and developing a distinctive creative voice while still gaining professional design skills.
| Category | BS in Interior Design | BFA in Interior Design |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal Student | Enjoys technical problem-solving, construction, architecture, and building performance | Enjoys artistic expression, conceptual thinking, and visual storytelling |
| Primary Focus | Technical, scientific, and professional practice | Artistic, creative, and conceptual design |
| Design Process | Research-driven, problem-solving, and evidence-based | Concept-driven, expressive, and exploratory |
| Art Foundation | Basic drawing and design principles | Art classes |
| Portfolio Style | Technical drawings, construction documents, programming, and professional projects | Conceptual work, artistic exploration, renderings, and design narratives |
| Curriculum Emphasis | Building systems, codes, construction, sustainability, CAD/Revit, aesthetics, visual communication, and creativity | Studio art, design theory, creativity, aesthetics, and visual communication |
| Internship Experience | Internship is required | Internship is not always required; students may have the option to study abroad for one semester |
| Technical Courses | More engineering-related topics, such as lighting, HVAC coordination, materials, accessibility, and building codes | Covers technical topics, but generally with less depth than a BS |
| History Classes | History of Interiors & Architecture | History of Interiors & Architecture |
| General Education | More science and math requirements | More humanities and arts requirements |
| Software Skills | Strong emphasis on AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Acrobat, specifications, and construction documentation | Strong emphasis on visualization, rendering, AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, and 3D Studio Max |
| Science & Mathematics | Typically includes more math and technical coursework
|
Usually less math-intensive |
| Career Preparation | Residential, hospitality, boutique commercial, kitchen and bath design, adaptive reuse, retail, and experiential design | Commercial interiors, healthcare, corporate, institutional, hospitality, workplace planning, residential, and creative studios |
| Research Component | More evidence-based research and analysis | More design theory and creative exploration |
| Typical Capstone | Comprehensive professional design project with technical documentation | Thesis or design exhibition emphasizing concept and creativity |
| Licensure Preparation | Often more directly aligned with professional licensing requirements | Prepares students for licensure, but with a stronger creative emphasis |
| Graduate School Pathways | Architecture, construction management, facilities planning, sustainable design, and interior architecture | Fine arts, design, exhibition design, furniture design, set design, and related creative disciplines |
BS program note: Furnishings & Interiors students pursuing the BS are required to complete Textile Science coursework and may participate in textile design competitions.