Interior Design Programs

Bachelor of Fine Arts Student Achievement Data

Berkeley College collects and publishes the following information in connection with its accreditation with the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). A full-time student taking 15 credits or more each semester could complete the Interior Design BFA program in four academic years or less. An academic year is comprised of two semesters. A part-time student taking nine credits each semester could complete the program in seven academic years or less. The following data was collected using institutional records and by Career Services outreach 6 months after a student completed his/her degree.

Note: Berkeley College is required to disclose program length, retention rates, graduation rates, and employment rates in accordance with federal disclosure requirements. The following data was calculated in accordance with CIDA rules, and may differ from the data used in federal disclosures.

Student Attrition and Retention

53% of students admitted in the fall of 2023 returned in the fall of 2024, putting attrition at 47%.

Completion Rate:

Of the students who completed the BFA program between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, 90% did so in 4 years or less. This rate includes first-time and transfer students. This rate is separate from and differs from the graduation rate used in federal disclosures.

Acceptance into Graduate Programs:

One (1) student (3.44%) who completed the BFA program between September 1, 2023 and August 30, 2024 applied to graduate school.

Employment Rates:

66.7% of the available students who completed the program between September 1, 2023 and August 30, 2024 are employed in interior design or in a related profession. 11.1% of the available students who completed the program are employed in an area other than Interior Design. 13.79% of the available students who completed the program are currently not employed. Information is not available for the remaining 4.97% of the students who completed the program.

Employment rates of graduates are calculated based on communications between graduates and Career Services staff. Those percentages include all graduates who were employed in a full-time, part-time, contract, and/or per diem position within 180 days after graduation. The numbers include graduates who have found employment through direct referrals provided by Career Services; students whose Berkeley College internships have led to full-time, part-time, contract, and/or per diem employment; students who have found employment on their own, including many who have benefited from coaching and resumé assistance offered by Career Services; and students who have remained in positions they held prior to enrolling at and/or while attending Berkeley.

Graduates who decline Career Services placement assistance and/or do not respond to outreach from the College are not reflected in the employment calculations, unless Career Services learns of their employment through another source of information, such as those listed above. Reasons for declining placement assistance may include a lack of U.S. work authorization for international students, relocation, continuing education, military service, and medical or other personal issues and preferences. These rates include all graduates who were employed within 180 days after graduation. The 2023-2024 academic year included three academic semesters (fall, winter, and spring). These rates include students who graduated at any point in the academic year (end of fall semester + 180 days; end winter semester + 180 days; etc.).

Interior Design is the art and technique of creating functional and aesthetic environments for living and working.

The College considers students for admission to degree and certificate programs on the basis of future potential, the motivation and interest to succeed in a chosen profession, and past academic achievement.

Graduation from high school or the equivalent is a basic requirement for admission to degree and certificate programs. In evaluating candidates, the Committee on Admissions takes into consideration your individual interests, your motivation to succeed in a chosen profession, and prior academic achievement. Basic requirements for admission include graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent and an entrance exam or SAT/ACT scores. Applicants to some programs offered within the School of Health Studies may have additional requirements, including successful completion of the HESI® Admission Assessment (A2) with Critical Thinking entrance examination. Documentation of successful completion of high school or the equivalent must be submitted to the College prior to starting classes.

A personal interview is strongly recommended. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Director of Admissions at the campus of their choice to arrange for an appointment with an Admissions Associate. For further information, students may also call the College at 866-317-6087 or email info@BerkeleyCollege.edu.

Berkeley maintains a rolling admissions policy, so students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Applicants will be notified of a decision as soon as all credentials have been evaluated. Certain programs may have specific application deadline requirements. 

For further questions about the enrollment process, schedule an appointment with an associate.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, designers will be needed to respond to consumers’ expectations that the interiors of homes and offices meet certain conditions, such as being environmentally friendly and more easily accessible.

As interior designers focus on increasingly specialized design areas, there will be a greater need for them to collaborate with other designers and in other design-related fields. Demand for interior design services for the healthcare industry will grow because of an anticipated increase in demand for facilities that will accommodate the aging population.

Interior Design degree programs at Berkeley College focus on the creative and technical aspects of this exciting industry. Graduates are prepared with the necessary skills and practical knowledge to enter the industry in a range of roles.

Faculty members in this program are selected for both academic excellence and relevant professional experience in interior design. They combine firsthand knowledge and know-how with classroom instruction for a thorough education for entry into the professional world.

Benefits of the program include:

• A curriculum that focuses on exploring design fundamentals, theory, visual communication, culture, and history
• Studio-based, hands-on projects, exploring all aspects of design through sketching, drafting, and color composition
• Modern computer-aided design learning current programs used in the design industry, such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp Pro, Rhino, 3ds Max, and rendering with V-Ray
• You may have the opportunity to participate in an internship or job-related assignment for a valuable learning experience
• A seamless transition between Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees 

No.

No.

The Interior Design Associate in Applied Science degree program (AAS) and the Interior Design Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program (BFA) are offered by Berkeley College New Jersey and Berkeley College New York. The Interior Design program courses are offered online and at the New York City and Woodland Park campuses as identified in the Course Schedule for each semester.

Instructors are chosen for both academic excellence and relevant professional experience. They share firsthand occupational knowledge that can help prepare students to enter the job market. Portfolios and capstone projects are completed prior to graduation. You may also have an opportunity to participate in an internship where you can apply what you’ve learned. Students will work closely with the Career Services Department to secure future employment.

Students have the opportunity to exhibit their work in the Gallery at Woodland Park and contribute to the department website. Students may also participate in field trips, attend guest lectures and opening receptions, and network with members of the professional design, art, and film community.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Associate’s degree programs prepare students to pursue careers in creative positions such as:

• Residential designer
• Commercial interior designer
• Exhibit designer
• Architectural designer
• And more

Out-of-state and NJ and NY residents can register in the online Interior Design programs.

The Interior Design program courses are offered online and at the New York City and Woodland Park campuses as identified in the Course Schedule for each semester.

Yes.

The learning outcomes for the students in the online programs are the same as for those in the onsite programs, the delivery and teaching methods are different. Online teaching will be based on PowerPoint lectures, which will be supported by audio and video recordings.

Online students need to be very proactive and self-motivated. The online Interior Design program is rigorous and demands hours of project work outside of the online interaction environment.

Constant interaction with the faculty through emails, chats and discussion boards are fundamental to improve and achieve the expected results. Time management is a very important skill for online students.

The Interior Design program has an intense curriculum focused on preparing students to become professionals in the Architectural/Construction industry. The courses in the online AAS and BFA degree programs follow the same standards and rigor as the courses in the on-site AAS and BFA degree programs. The expectations for our students, whether online or on-site, are the same.

The online BFA in Interior Design degree program is not accredited but the online courses in this online BFA degree program stem from the accredited on-site program at Woodland Park.

Whether studying on site or online, graduates of the Interior Design programs will be prepared to join the professional workforce.

No experience or portfolio are required, only passion and dedication.

Small classes (maximum of 15 students) allow for individual attention and guidance. Virtual guidance is provided in the online classes.

PC hardware recommendation

• Operating system
  • Minimum: Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit
  • Recommended: Microsoft Windows 10 64-bit
• Desktop & laptop processor
  • Multi-core Intel or AMD CPU (More core count equals faster rendering times)
    • Minimum:
      • Intel: i5
      • AMD: Ryzen 5
    • Recommended:
      • Intel: i7, i9
      • AMD: Ryzen 7, Ryzen 9
• Memory/RAM
  • More RAM in the system can handle heavier 3D files.
  • Minimum: 8GB
  • Recommended: 16GB
• Storage
  • Minimum: 250GB Solid state drive (SSD)
  • Recommended: 500GB Solid state drive (SSD)
• Display card (GPU)
  • AMD or NVIDIA (NVIDIA recommended)
  • Minimum: 1GB GPU
  • Recommended: 4GB GPU
  • *Intel Integrated graphics are not recommended for CAD software.
• Mouse
  • 3 button mouse required
• Internet access required

First Semester

Supplies

• Architect’s Scale, Tracing Paper Roll, Black fine line markers - $20.00
• Color pencils/markers - $40.00

Total approx. $60.00

Seventh Semester

Supplies

• Miscellaneous approx. $20.00

Total approx. $20.00

Eighth Semester

Supplies

• Miscellaneous approx. $ 20.00

Total approx. $20.00

Interior Design Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS)

This program also requires students to obtain specific supplies, the cost of which totals approximately $200.00. Detailed, itemized information describing the required supplies and listing typical prices for each such item is available at https://berkeleycollege.edu/catalogs/undergraduate-2023-2024/admissions/undergraduate-degree-program-tuition-fees-2023-2024/index.html.

Interior Design Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (BFA)

This program also requires students to obtain specific supplies, the cost of which totals approximately $300.00. Detailed, itemized information describing the required supplies and listing typical prices for each such item is available at https://berkeleycollege.edu/catalogs/undergraduate-2023-2024/admissions/certificate-program-tuition-fees-2023-2024/index.html.