10 of the Best Interior Design Programs in Florida & How to Choose
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0Summary
Florida offers a wide range of interior design programs—from top-tier research universities like UF and FSU to hands-on associate degrees and online certifications. Whether you’re seeking a creative reboot or building a foundational skillset, there’s a program that fits your path. Some are rooted in theory and innovation; others focus on practical training and real-world readiness. The key? Knowing which one aligns with your goals—especially if you’re planning to pursue certification, commercial work, or your own firm.
Reflection Questions
Do I want to work in residential or commercial design—and what kind of training best supports that path?
How important is flexibility in my education? Would I thrive in a full-time, in-person studio environment or prefer an online or part-time track?
Am I pursuing interior design as a passion, a profession, or both—and how might that affect the kind of credential I pursue?
Journal Prompt
Imagine yourself five years from now as a working interior designer in Florida. Where are you? Who are your clients? What kinds of spaces are you designing? Describe a day in your professional life—and then reflect on which of these programs feels like the most natural stepping stone toward that vision.
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate dreaming of a design career or in another industry seeking formal training for a mid-career switch, Florida has a number of interior design programs tailored to different paths. From research-driven degrees at top universities to hands-on associate programs and flexible online certifications, there’s no shortage of options. Below, we’ve curated ten of the best interior design programs in Florida—highlighting what makes each one stand out. Later, we’ll guide you through choosing the right fit—plus, which credentials matter in Florida and beyond.
10 of the Best Interior Design Programs in Florida
#1 University of Florida (UF)
Degree: Bachelor of Design in Interior Design
Accreditation: CIDA
At UF, aesthetic design meets research and development in a program known for producing forward-thinking professionals. With a curriculum focused on sustainability, innovation, and human-centered design, students gain both the technical skills and conceptual grounding needed to thrive in the interior design industry.
Housed within the College of Design, Construction and Planning, this program is ideal for interior design students drawn to big-picture thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration. If you want to start your own interior design business in the future, this might be the program for you. Graduates say that this program provided them with valuable professional knowledge and prepared them for professional practice.
Learn More: https://dcp.ufl.edu/interior/
#2 Florida State University (FSU)
Degrees: BS, BA, MS, MA, MFA in Interior Design
Accreditation: CIDA
FSU’s comprehensive design track stands out for its range and depth. From undergraduate to MFA level, the program emphasizes a people-first approach to design, sustainability, and critical inquiry. It’s a great fit for students who want both studio experience and access to research opportunities—especially those considering teaching or pursuing advanced degrees. Those who might want to join architectural firms or design commercial spaces will also benefit from this program.
Learn More: https://interiordesign.fsu.edu/
#3 Florida International University (FIU)
Degree: Master of Interior Architecture
Accreditation: CIDA
If you’re ready for an intense graduate-level program, FIU’s Master of Interior Architecture bridges design, theory, and ethics in creating both exterior and interior environments. The program takes place in Miami—Florida’s cultural capital—giving students access to a vibrant design community and global perspectives.
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It’s particularly appealing to students who want to expand their practice or move into leadership roles within the field. If you plan to practice interior design in a state that requires certification through the National Council for Interior Design, this program might be best. Even experienced designers will benefit from the deep understanding of our industry this program provides.
Learn More: https://carta.fiu.edu/interiors/
#4 Seminole State College of Florida
Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science in Interior Design
Accreditation: CIDA
Course Highlight: IND 3413 for the Future Space Planner
This program delivers a practical, applied approach to interior design. It balances creativity with code compliance and client safety. Ideal for students looking for a strong return on investment and development of essential skills, Seminole State offers small class sizes and a curriculum rooted in real-world project work. It’s a smart choice for those who want to hit the ground running in residential or commercial design.
Learn More: https://www.seminolestate.edu/interior-design/degrees-programs
#5 Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ)
Degree: Associate in Science (A.S.) in Interior Design Technology
FSCJ offers an approachable path into the field with an associate degree designed to build both artistic and technical skills. The program focuses on hands-on learning, including drafting, space planning, and computer-aided design.
Students graduate prepared for entry-level roles or to continue their studies at the bachelor’s level. FSCJ’s program gives students hands-on training in AutoCAD, drafting, and space planning, which is helpful for anyone aiming to work in workplace design, retail fit-outs, or move management.
Learn More: https://www.fscj.edu/academics/programs/as/2389
#6 University of West Florida (UWF)
Program: Certified Residential Interior Designer (online)
For career changers or remote learners, UWF’s 100% online certificate offers a flexible route into residential interior design. The course culminates in the Residential Interior Designer designation, which makes it a streamlined option for those looking to pivot into design without committing to a four-year degree. If you want to develop your own design process from scratch, this program will help you get started.
Learn More: https://uwf.edu/continuinged/programs/career-training/certified-interior-designer/
#7 Miami International University of Art & Design
Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design
Located in one of the most design-forward cities in the U.S., this program taps into Miami’s creative pulse. With a focus on artistic exploration and technical development, students receive immersive training in everything from hand sketching to digital rendering. It’s a great match for aspiring designers who thrive in a visually driven, fast-paced environment.
Learn More: https://www.mymiu.edu/academics/school-of-design/interior-design/
#8 Miami Dade College
Degree: Associate in Science in Interior Design Technology
Affordability meets opportunity at Miami Dade College. This associate degree prepares students for work in design studios or for seamless transfer into a four-year program. Emphasizing foundational skills in space planning, drafting, and materials, it’s an excellent starting point for students eager to learn the nuts and bolts of the profession.
Learn More: https://www.mdc.edu/interiordesigntechnology/
#9 Daytona State College
Degree: Associate of Science in Interior Design Technology
With a focus on both residential and commercial interiors, Daytona State’s program offers a comprehensive introduction to the discipline. Students gain experience through design studios, materials labs, and internships, making it an ideal fit for those who want to start working quickly while keeping doors open to further education.
Graduates are trained to execute appropriate, functional, and balanced space planning and techniques for arranging interior furnishings, as well as specify appropriate fixtures, equipment, materials, lighting, and accessories.
#10 Indian River State College (IRSC)
Degree: Associate in Science in Interior Design Technology
IRSC rounds out our list with a practical, skills-focused program that prepares students for real-world design roles. From AutoCAD to lighting plans, students are trained in industry-standard software and techniques.
The program also provides opportunities to pursue NCIDQ certification post-graduation—a key credential for those wanting to advance professionally. It’s a standout option for students seeking affordability, access, and strong job-readiness.
Learn More: https://irsc.edu/programs/interior-design-technology.html
Which Programs Best Prepare You for a Career in Interior Design?
While all ten of the programs listed offer valuable training, a few stand out for their depth, accreditation, and alignment with professional standards.
Top honors go to the University of Florida (UF), Florida State University (FSU), and Florida International University (FIU). These programs are CIDA-accredited, which signals a high standard of professional preparation. They also offer comprehensive studio coursework, exposure to industry-standard tools and codes, and guidance toward NCIDQ exam eligibility—critical for designers who want to work on commercial projects or grow into leadership roles.
UF’s Bachelor of Design provides a research-driven, sustainability-focused curriculum that prepares students for both creative and technical challenges. FSU offers the most extensive academic pathway, including an MFA, which is ideal for students who may want to teach or specialize further. FIU’s graduate-level program is best for those pursuing advanced roles or already holding a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
That said, Seminole State College and Miami International University of Art & Design offer excellent training for students seeking a more direct and practice-focused path, especially in residential or boutique commercial design. These programs emphasize furnishings, materials, and client-ready portfolios—skills that translate immediately to the workplace.
Do You Need to Be Licensed to Practice Interior Design in Florida?
In short, no—but it can help.
As of July 1, 2020, Florida no longer requires a state-issued license to practice interior design. This means that anyone can technically work as an interior designer without meeting formal education or testing requirements. However, there’s a distinction between calling yourself an interior designer and being a registered interior designer in the eyes of the state.
Registration is now optional, but it has benefits. Designers who choose to register through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) must pass the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ) exam or an equivalent. In return, they receive a Certificate of Registration and the legal right to stamp and seal drawings for permitting purposes on non-structural interior construction.
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