Bachelor of Design in Interior Design - Online
Bachelor of Design in Interior Design - Online
A Professional Interior Design Degree Built for Contemporary Practice
The Bachelor of Design in Interior Design at Maryland Institute College of Art is a 120-credit professional degree grounded in storytelling, atmosphere, material expression, and the emotional impact of space. From the start, students approach interior design as both an art form and a responsibility, shaping environments that are visually compelling and conceptually rich while grounded in research, human-centered design, and professional standards. Health, safety, and welfare are integrated throughout the program in alignment with pathways toward the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) and long-term licensure eligibility, ensuring graduates are prepared for professional practice without diminishing creative vision.
Vision. Precision. Execution.
Through studio-based coursework, students translate bold ideas into built environments. The curriculum moves from foundational design thinking and visual communication into advanced studios spanning residential, commercial, healthcare, and community contexts. Along the way, students refine skills in space planning, materials and textiles, lighting, building systems, codes, and digital documentation, always in service of a clear design concept. Graduates leave prepared to carry a project from inspiration and narrative through fully coordinated, buildable solutions that balance artistry with technical precision.
100% ONLINE
Study from anywhere with flexible online learning designed for working professionals.
Flexible Start Dates
Start dates in fall, spring, or summer.
LICENSURE-ALIGNED CURRICULUM
Structured to support pathways toward NCIDQ certification and long-term professional licensure eligibility.
Earn 120 Credits
Focused curriculum for practical application. Designed to help you advance your career.
STUDIO-BASED, CAREER-READY
Build a professional portfolio through integrated studios, technical training, and real-world design applications.
WHY CHOOSE
THE BACHELOR OF DESIGN IN INTERIOR DESIGN?
Professionally Aligned and Licensure-Focused
The Interior Design BDes is thoughtfully structured to support both creative exploration and professional practice. Students develop original design voices while engaging coursework that aligns with nationally recognized standards for health, safety, and welfare. The program prepares graduates to pursue industry leading NCIDQ certification through professional experience, positioning them for licensure without sacrificing the artistic depth and conceptual rigor that define a MICA education.
Integrated Studio and Technical Curriculum
Students move from initial concept and narrative through detailed construction documentation within an integrated design sequence that reflects both the rigor of professional practice and the depth of a MICA art and design education. Creative studios emphasize experimentation, authorship, and the development of a distinct point of view, while technical coursework in materials, lighting, building systems, codes, and digital tools ensures those ideas can be realized responsibly and precisely. Graduates leave able to think imaginatively, communicate a compelling design vision, and execute work that is fully coordinated, compliant, and ready to be built.
Human-Centered and Research-Informed
Inclusive design, accessibility, and evidence-based decision-making are embedded throughout the program. Students develop the ability to design for diverse populations and complex real-world environments, positioning them to contribute meaningfully to contemporary practice.
Flexible Format with Professional Rigor
Designed for adults completing a degree or transferring, this program offers flexibility while maintaining high academic standards. Studio critique, experiential learning, internship opportunities, and a comprehensive portfolio course ensure graduates leave prepared for entry-level roles and long-term advancement.
Potential Career Pathways
Graduates of the BDes in Interior Design Degree will be prepared for roles such as:
Interior Designer
Interior Design Assistant
Junior Designer
Space Planner
CAD/BIM Technician
Lighting Design Assistant
Design Associate
Sustainable Design Coordinator
A Professional Interior Design Degree Built for Contemporary Practice
Bachelor of Design in Interior Design
Delivered in a fully asynchronous format, this online interior design program expands access for working adults and transfer students without compromising studio rigor. Through structured critique, iterative development, internship experience, and a comprehensive capstone, students grow into designers who can transform a client’s vision into physical reality. Learn to shape rooms and buildings that carry meaning, express identity, and evoke emotion all while meeting rigorous industry standards.