Interior Design Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS)
Interior Design Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (BFA)
Interior Design Certificate Program
Learn to create the environments where we live and work.
As you prepare to enter the industry in a range of roles, you’ll learn the creative and technical skills from experienced professionals who share their firsthand knowledge. Our graduates pursue careers in creative positions, as residential or commercial interior designers, exhibit designers, designers in architectural firms, and more.
In a curriculum developed with input from industry experts, you’ll:
- Explore design fundamentals, theory, visual communication, culture, and history
- Work on projects exploring all aspects of design through sketching, drafting, and color composition
- Learn modern computer-aided design using current design industry software, such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp Pro, Rhino, and rendering with V-Ray
The art and technique of creating functional and aesthetic environments for living and working.
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.The BFA in Interior Design is accredited by CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation).
Here’s what sets the Berkeley Interior Design program apart:
- You’ll learn insmall classeswithpersonal attentionfrom instructors with real-world design experience
- You’ll be prepared for a wider range of career opportunities than many programs because of the rich and diversified curriculum and the professional experience of the faculty
- You’ll have access tocurrent technologyused by design professionals
- An emphasis oncritical thinkingandcreative problem solving
- You’ll have opportunities forfield trips, guest lectures, and other design-related events
- You may have the opportunity to participate in aninternship or job-related assignmentfor a valuable learning experience
- You’ll have exceptionalnetworking opportunitiesthrough faculty and alumni connections
Accreditation
Interior Design Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (BFA)
The Interior Design program offered by Berkeley College New Jersey at the Woodland Park Campus leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, https://www.accredit-id.org/, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503;telephone:616-458-0400.
The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The BFA in Interior Design granted by Berkeley College meets the educational requirements for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: https://www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements.
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
58% of students admitted in the fall of 2021 returned in the fall of 2022, putting attrition at 42%.
Completion Rate:
Of the students who completed the BFA program between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, 92% 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:
None of 12 students (0.0%) who completed the BFA program between September 1, 2021 and August 30, 2022 applied to graduate school.
Employment Rates:
90.9% of students who completed the program between September 1, 2021 and August 30, 2022 are employed in interior design or a related profession.
Employment Rates of graduates, as reflected herein, do not include every graduate. Information on the employment of graduates is obtained through multiple sources. The majority of the employment data is self-reported by graduates, in response to Career Services outreach. Other sources of information include Indeed, ZoomInfo, and LinkedIn. The employment rates 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; and students who have remained in positions they held prior to enrolling at and/or while attending Berkeley College.
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 2021-2022 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.).
Catalog
Interior Design Programs
You’ll find additional information in our Catalog, including the different degrees offered, descriptions of the courses you’ll take, the department faculty, and much more. You can always live chat or contact us with questions.
- Interior Design (AAS)
- Interior Design(BFA)
Faculty
Alfonso Torino
NCIDQ, ASID, IDEC, Assoc. AIA
Professor Torino holds a Diploma of Design and Roman Topography from the Michelangelo Buonarroti Institute Frascati in Rome, Italy; a BArch degree from the School of Architecture, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ; and a PhD in History of Culture and Architecture from the School of Literature and Philosophy, University of Rome, Italy.
Click to read more about Professor Torino
Dana Reibeisen
NCIDQ, ASID, IDEC, Assoc. AIA
Professor Dana Reibeisen is an NCIDQ certified, LEED AP, WELL AP Interior Designer. She received her BA in Art History from Tufts University and her MS in Interior Design from Pratt Institute.
Click to read more about Professor Reibeisen
Ernesto Fong
NCIDQ, ASID, IDEC, Assoc. AIA
Professor Fong earned a BArch degree from City College, City University of New York, and an MA from State University of New York, The Fashion Institute of Technology.
Click to read more about Professor Fong
Student Gallery
The Interior Design program at Berkeley College allows students to turn their creative ideas into interior design masterpieces. Focusing on the creative and technical aspects of interior design, Berkeley degree programs prepare students for a range of careers, including residential and commercial interior designer, exhibit designer, as a designer in architectural firms, and more. Berkeley students benefit from professors with extensive professional design experience and instruction in current design programs, such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp Pro, Rhino, 3ds Max, and rendering with V-Ray. The gallery below shows just some of the exceptional work that Berkeley students have created.
Designed by Jaesik Chang
Designed by Lauren DiGenova
Designed by Leo Clavel
Designed by Josefine Forsman
Designed by Miao Li Chen
Designed by Jaesik Chang
Designed by Jaewon Lee
Designed by Jaesik Chang
Designed by Jaesik Chang
Designed by Helga Richter
Locations Offered
The Interior Design Associate in Applied Science degree program (AAS) is offered in Woodland Park (Fall start only), and Online.
The Interior Design Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program (BFA) is offered in Woodland Park (Fall start only) and Online.
Frequently Asked Questions: Interior Design
What is Interior Design?
Interior Design is the art and technique of creating functional and aesthetic environments for living and working.
What are the admission requirements for Berkeley College?
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 the programs offered within the School of Health Studies may have additional requirements.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 emailinfo@BerkeleyCollege.edu.
What is the application deadline to apply?
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.
Why is Interior Design such a growing field?
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.
Why should I study for Interior Design at Berkeley College?
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.
What will I learn in the Interior Design program at Berkeley College?
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
Are advanced drawing skills required to enter the Interior Design program?
No.
Is a portfolio required?
No.
Can I study Interior Design at any of the campus locations?
The Interior Design Associate in Applied Science degree program (AAS) is offered in Woodland Park (Fall start only), and Online.
The Interior Design Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program (BFA) is offered in Woodland Park (Fall start only) and Online.
What type of networking and career placement opportunities are available for students?
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.
What kind of job can I get with an Interior Design degree?
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
Who can register for Berkeley’s online Interior Design programs?
Out-of-state and NJ and NY residents can register in the online Interior Design programs.
When will online Interior Design programs begin?
Online students can start in the fall and winter semesters. Students cannot start online in the spring semester.
Can online students also take on-site courses?
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.
What’s important to know about studying online?
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.
Are the curricula for the on-site and online Interior Design programs the same?
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 on-site BFA in Interior Design degree program offered by Berkeley College New Jersey at the Woodland Park Campus is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). Is the online BFA in Interior Design degree program also accredited by CIDA?
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.
What will the Interior Design programs prepare me for?
Whether studying on site or online, graduates of the Interior Design programs will be prepared to join the professional workforce.
Do I need interior design experience or a portfolio for the online program?
No experience or portfolio are required, only passion and dedication.
What are class sizes like?
Small classes (maximum of 15 students) allow for individual attention and guidance. Virtual guidance is provided in the online classes.
What are the computer requirements for the online program?
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
- Minimum:
- Multi-core Intel or AMD CPU (More core count equals faster rendering times)
- 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
What are the additional costs for the online program?
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
What are the additional costs for the on-site program?
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.
Testimonial
Terri Fiori
Berkeley College Alumna
“The classes I took at Berkeley challenged me to think outside of my comfort zone. The professors were very nurturing and instilled confidence in myself and my work. I graduated with the tools that I needed to be confident in starting my own business and I use those tools every day in my practice.”
