Online Interior Design Degree
Online Bachelor of Fine Arts
ONLINE INTERIOR DESIGN DEGREE PROGRAM OVERVIEW
At RMCAD, online interior design degree students work closely with online faculty to develop a deep understanding of the technical and artistic aspects of interior design. As practicing industry professionals, our online faculty share real world experience with you to enhance your overall knowledge of interior design. In this CIDA-accredited Online Interior Design Degree Program, you’ll learn important technical components such as hand drafting, CAD, material sourcing as well as infrastructure codes and regulations that affect your industry.
RMCAD’s Online Interior Design Bachelor’s Degree offers a curriculum from a variety of disciplines such as architecture, environmental design, graphic design, and industrial design. Our proprietary virtual learning management system is designed to help students who want to study interior design online acquire a broad base of knowledge to help them develop a strong artistic and technical skill set. You’ll also acquire competency in design communication, building systems and construction, programming and site analysis, construction drawings and specification, human behavior and the design environment and technical drawing conventions.
When you complete this Interior Design Online Degree Program, you’ll graduate with the skills, creativity, and commitment necessary to become an environmentally responsible interior designer.
SKILLS YOU'LL LEARN
Hospitality Design
Construction Documents + Contracts
Building Information Modeling, Manual Drafting + Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Environmental + Human Behavior
Space Planning
Lighting Design
STEPS TO ADMISSION
1
Complete your artist meeting with an admissions counselor.
2
Submit an admissions application.
3
Create and submit your portfolio to be considered for a scholarship.
4
Submit official high school and college transcripts (for transfer students).
5
Submit the current year’s FAFSA and other financial aid documentation.
ACCREDITATION
TUITION + FINANCIAL AID
At RMCAD, we understand that investing in a college education is a major decision and a major investment. That’s why we offer competitive, affordable tuition when compared to other art and design colleges. Students’ tuition rates are locked in at the time of their initial start date and will not increase as long as they remain enrolled in their program.
ONLINE INTERIOR DESIGN DEGREE COURSE DETAILS
RMCAD’s online BFA interior design degree classes are structured to cumulatively increase in difficulty as the courses progress, in order to help you accumulate the skills necessary to successfully build beautiful, functional spaces.
*This section does not include the full list of courses for this program.
Interior Design Courses (65 Credits)*
ID 1230
Introduction to Sustainable Design
(3 Credits)
ID 2530
Building Codes + Regulations
(3 Credits)
ID 2710
Introduction to Computer Aided Design (CAD)
(3 Credits)
ID 2750
Architectural Perspective and Rendering Techniques
(3 Credits)
ID 3610
Interior Design Professional Practices
(3 Credits)
ID 3715
Building Information Modeling: Revit
(3 Credits)
Liberal Arts Courses (39 Credits)*
AH 1110
Art Historical Methods + Theories
(3 Credits)
EN 1110
Composition I
(3 Credits)
MA 1220
Financial Principles + Practices
(3 Credits)
NS 2040
Environmental Studies
(3 Credits)
The Liberal Arts curriculum is an exciting part of every student’s academic and creative journey at RMCAD. These courses provide the opportunity for students to engage with complex questions and ideas to develop critical thinking skills, a global consciousness, and awareness of art historical foundations that are essential for their intellectual, creative, and personal growth.
Foundations Courses (15 Credits)*
FD 1020
2D Design: Elements + Principles
(3 Credits)
FD 1120
Topics in Color
(3 Credits)
FD 1235
Observational Drawing
(3 Credits)
FD 2130
3D Design: Space + Materiality
(3 Credits)
Foundation Studies educates students in the development of creative studio practice by fostering individualized and collaborative learning that emphasizes cultural engagement, process, critical thinking, and visual literacy.
Interior Design Specialization (6 Credits)*
ID 3550
Custom Furnishings
(3 Credits)
IDSD 4200
Sustainable Design Studio
(3 Credits)
GD 1000
Typography
(3 Credits)
Interior Design Sustainable Design Specialization (6 Credits)
IDSD 3200
Sustainable Design Strategies + Technologies
(3 Credits)
IDSD 4200
Sustainable Design Studio
(3 Credits)
IDSD 4250
Sustainable Design Portfolio Review
(0 Credits)
TECH + TOOLS
RMCAD’s Online Degree in Interior Design Program is structured to gradually increase in difficulty. As part of your virtual interior design courses, you will learn the latest technology in the interior design field, including Adobe, CAD, and Revit. All RMCAD students receive access to the Adobe suite, CAD, and Revit during their education through their semester fees.
GET TO KNOW OUR GRADS
Interior Design Stories
Maximizing Space: Creative Storage Solutions for Modern Homes
The minimalist aesthetic has been trending in interior design for years — and it does not seem to be subsiding anytime soon. As a result, interior designers are always looking to take advantage of space-saving storage
Smart Homes: Integrating Technology Into Interior Design
Current interior design trends emphasize more than just the aesthetics of space; they highlight the potential of smart home technology. From home automation systems to new lighting solutions, smart technology is playing an increasingly prevalent role in interior
Future of Workspace Design: Meeting the Needs of Tomorrow’s Workforce
The American workplace has changed drastically over the past several years — especially throughout 2020 and 2021, when many companies faced mandates that required employees to work from home. Today, however, the physical workplace matters
INTERIOR DESIGN CAREERS
RMCAD online Interior Design graduates are making their mark one great looking space at a time across several industries. Take a look at potential career opportunities!
Healthcare Design
Healthcare design incorporates interior design and medical research to construct human-centered spaces that promote health and wellness.
Hospitality Design
Hospitality design focuses on the interior design of commercial spaces such as hotels, restaurants, bars, and spas.
Residential Design
Residential design focuses on home spaces including single-family, multi-family, condos, and townhomes. It combines aesthetics and functionality to create welcoming spaces that are both safe and sustainable to live in.
Institutional Design
Institutional design focuses on the design of government buildings, colleges, museums, libraries, and other public spaces.
Commercial Design
Commercial design encompasses a wide range of businesses that include offices, hotels, retail stores, restaurants, and more.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the focus of the Online Interior Design Degree Program at RMCAD?
The program focuses on technical and artistic aspects of interior design, including hand drafting, CAD, BIM, material sourcing, and understanding infrastructure codes and regulations.
What career opportunities are available for online interior design graduates?
Graduates will acquire the knowledge and skills to start careers as interior designers, space planners, lighting designers, project managers, and design consultants.
How are online courses delivered in the Online Interior Design Program?
Courses are delivered through an interactive online platform, featuring video lectures, assignments, discussion boards, peer reviews, and opportunities to communicate and collaborate with peers and instructors.
Why is a CIDA or Council for Interior Design Accreditation program so important?
It’s extremely valuable for an interior design student to pursue a college or program path that is CIDA accredited because the Council for Interior Design Accreditation carefully reviews interior design programs to ensure graduates are prepared for entry level practice and are set up for future professional growth. We are proud to be one of the few CIDA accredited programs that offer both online and on campus learning modalities. To learn more, visit CIDA.
What skills will students learn in the Online Interior Design Program?
Students will learn drafting, space planning, interior lighting design, construction document implementation, and CAD and BIM skills.
What are the technical requirements for the Online Interior Design Program?
Students need a computer that meets RMCAD’s specifications, reliable internet access, and relevant software such as CAD and BIM systems. For more information on program materials, visit here.
How does RMCAD support online interior design students?
All students receive software licensing, a LinkedIn Learning subscription, LMS access, electronic library resources, cybersecurity, mental health counseling, and tutoring services through their semester fees.
What are the admission requirements for the Online Interior Design Degree Program?
Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of the college’s application process. To be considered for a scholarship, students will also need to create and submit a portfolio of artwork.
What kind of portfolio should students submit for the Online Interior Design Program application?
A portfolio showcasing your best design work, including examples of drafting, space planning, and interior design projects.
Are there any specializations within the Online Interior Design Program?
Yes, the program includes a specialization in sustainable design where students learn about sustainability as a part of ethical design practice.
What software and tools are used in the Online Interior Design Program?
Students use AutoCAD systems, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, and other industry-standard software for design and drafting. For more information on program materials, visit here.
How can students learn more about the Online Interior Design Program?
Prospective online students can view our virtual tour, attend info sessions, talk with an admissions representative, and explore program materials on RMCAD’s website.
What are the Liberal Arts requirements in the Online Interior Design Program?
The curriculum includes courses that develop critical thinking, global consciousness, and information literacy.
What are the Foundations requirements in the Online Interior Design Program?
Foundation courses enable students to refine essential skills, get comfortable with the tools they’ll use throughout their program, and study relevant basics— including composition and color theory. These courses facilitate ideation and collaboration.
What kind of student work is produced in the Online Interior Design Program?
Students create construction documents, space plans, lighting designs, and comprehensive interior design projects.
What is the importance of sustainable design in the Online Interior Design Program?
Sustainable design practices are emphasized to create environmentally responsible and ethical interior design solutions.
Can online interior design students participate in RMCAD’s campus events?
Yes, online students are welcome to participate in campus events, exhibitions, and graduation ceremonies. Virtual events are also available to those who do not live locally. For more information on events, please visit RMCAD’s events calendar.
Are there opportunities for students to showcase their work?
Online interior design students can showcase their work through virtual galleries, online exhibitions, and by creating professional portfolios. Online students can also participate in portfolio reviews and have their portfolio reviewed by an industry professional.
What makes RMCAD's Online Interior Design Program unique?
RMCAD’s Online Interior Design program is one of only a few online, CIDA accredited BFAs. The program’s integration of technical and creative coursework, focus on sustainable design, individualized support, and professional development also sets it apart.
How does RMCAD ensure the quality of online education?
RMCAD ensures quality through experienced faculty, regularly updated curriculum, and interactive, hands-on coursework designed for online delivery.
Are there any opportunities for online students to collaborate on projects?
Yes, online students can collaborate on projects through virtual classrooms, group assignments, and online forums.
What are the advantages of studying interior design online at RMCAD?
Advantages include flexible scheduling, access to industry-standard tools, feedback from instructors, and the ability to study from anywhere.
