School of Design & Visual Art · Bachelor of Fine Arts

Bachelor's in Interior Design

Program Overview

Aesthetic Design Through Creative Thinking

Interior designers combine creativity, research and technical expertise to create functional, inspiring spaces that enhance the way people live, work and interact. Maryville University's nationally accredited Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design prepares students to become practice-ready professionals through creative design thinking, hands-on projects and real-world experience while developing a deep understanding of environmental psychology and human-centered design.

What sets the program apart

    • Study research methods, architectural principles, color, lighting and human-centered design.
    • Build technical skills using industry-standard computer-aided design (CAD) technologies.
    • Develop a professional portfolio through studio work, client projects and a senior capstone experience.
    • Graduate from a program accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD).

An Overview of Interior Design at Maryville

 
I will say it's a complete flip from how I thought college is. At my previous university, it wasn't as hands on as it is here, and it feels like they really wanna teach. Not every school you get the opportunity to learn from people who are actually in the field and in the business still. So, like, they know everything going on, so they're teaching you, like, stuff that's happening now, not stuff that happened ten years ago or, like, past experience that's irrelevant. I feel like a lot of people just think interior design is, like, I like that couch, put it there. A lot of people don't realize there's a lot more space planning, technical skill that goes into it, and having to know architectural systems, a knowledge of structural systems, plumbing, electrical. Like, we're not engineers, obviously, but it's like we have to be aware that, okay, we need this in order to create this beautiful piece. If you're interested in Maryville Interior Interior Design, just come to campus. We'll show you around, show you the studios, the projects, and just really let you see an inside feel of how the program really is.
Why Maryville

Why Choose Interior Design at Maryville?

Class Size14

Average Class Size

SupportLife Coaching Team

A dedicated team of life coaches helps you personalize your education

Career Outcomes98%

Career outcomes rate for Maryville graduates

Financial Aid$59M+

Awarded in scholarships and aid last year

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  • Upcoming term starts:
  • Fall 2026 Start Date: August 24
  • Spring 2027 Start Date: January 11
Career Outlook

What can I do with this degree?

Interior designers shape the spaces where people live, work, learn and heal by combining creativity, technical knowledge and problem-solving skills to improve the built environment.

Graduates pursue careers with architecture and interior design firms, commercial design companies, healthcare organizations, hospitality businesses and residential design studios, while others specialize in sustainable design, space planning and workplace design.

Career Paths

Plan and design functional, safe and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces for residential and commercial clients.
Design offices, retail spaces, restaurants and other commercial environments that support business goals and user experience.
Create healthcare environments that promote patient comfort, healing, accessibility and staff efficiency.
Develop efficient interior layouts that maximize functionality, safety and user experience.
Design environmentally responsible interior spaces using sustainable materials and energy-efficient solutions.
Design engaging museum exhibits, retail experiences and public environments that tell compelling visual stories.
$62,510Median Annual Salary

Median annual wage for interior designers.

9,000Annual Job Openings

Average projected openings each year due to employment growth and workforce replacement.

4%Projected Job Growth

Employment of interior designers is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations from 2024–2034.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Interior Designers. Median wage data from May 2024 and employment projections for 2024–2034. Career outcomes vary by employer, location, experience and specialization.

Explore the Program

Program details and student work

Tuition, Cost & Savings

How you can afford an education.

An investment in your future shouldn't be out of reach. Maryville offers multiple paths to reduce your out-of-pocket cost — and our team will help you find every one you qualify for.

Ways to Save

Scholarship OpportunitiesMerit and need-based awards for qualifying students.
Transfer CreditApply previously earned credits toward your degree.
Benefits for MilitaryTuition assistance and GI Bill benefits for those who served.

Estimated tuition cost breakdown

Full-Time Tuition$25,766
Fees*$2,600
Estimated total cost**$28,366

*Fees can include digital course materials and textbooks/lab materials.

**Estimated cost does not include room and board or meal plans.

Explore additional tuition and costs

Need help financing your education? Get in touch!

Our financial aid advisors are here to walk you through scholarships, grants, and aid options for the Interior Design program.

Accreditation

Maryville is accredited.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Honors & Rankings

  • Kiplinger Best College Values 2019Ranked among the best values in private colleges by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
  • Forbes America's Top Colleges 2018Ranked among “America's Top Colleges” by Forbes.
  • Ranked No. 1 in social mobility among private universities in St. Louis.
  • Best for Vets Colleges  2022 Military Times. We made the list!Named Best for Vets among colleges by Military Times.
Review Maryville's full list of honors and rankings
Take the Next Step

Ready to take the next step?

Apply today, request more information, or schedule a visit to see if Maryville is the right fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Students study design research, architectural principles, color theory, lighting, environmental psychology, building systems and computer-aided design while developing professional portfolios.
Yes. Maryville's Interior Design program is accredited by both the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD).
Yes. Students complete client-based projects, professional collaborations, a senior capstone and portfolio development while gaining valuable real-world experience.
Graduates work in residential and commercial interior design, healthcare design, hospitality, workplace design, architecture firms, sustainable design and exhibit design.
Absolutely. Throughout the program you'll develop a professional portfolio showcasing studio work, client projects and your senior capstone to prepare for employment.
Maryville combines nationally accredited academics, studio-based learning, real-world design experiences, professional partnerships and faculty mentorship to prepare graduates to become practice-ready interior designers.