Program Overview

Introduction to Interior Design Programs

The Interior Design program at Berkeley College focuses 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.

Program Overview

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.

Program Details

• The curriculum focuses on exploring design fundamentals, theory, visual communication, culture, and history
• Studio-based, hands-on projects explore 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
• Opportunities for field trips, guest lectures, and other design-related events
• Opportunities for internships or job-related assignments for valuable learning experiences

Accreditation

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.

Student Achievement Data

• 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: 90% of students who completed the BFA program between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, did so in 4 years or less
• Acceptance into Graduate Programs: 3.44% of students who completed the BFA program between September 1, 2023 and August 30, 2024 applied to graduate school
• Employment Rates: 66.7% of available students who completed the program between September 1, 2023 and August 30, 2024 are employed in interior design or a related profession

Faculty

The faculty members in the Interior Design program are selected for both academic excellence and relevant professional experience in interior design. They include:

• Alfonso Torino (Chair)
• Brian J. Callahan
• Robert A. Federico
• Ernesto Fong

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Interior Design programs are prepared to pursue careers in creative positions such as:

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

Online Program Details

• The online Interior Design program is rigorous and demands hours of project work outside of the online interaction environment
• Constant interaction with faculty through emails, chats, and discussion boards is fundamental to improving and achieving expected results
• Time management is a very important skill for online students
• The curricula for the on-site and online Interior Design programs are the same
• The online BFA in Interior Design degree program is not accredited by CIDA, but the online courses stem from the accredited on-site program at Woodland Park

Computer Requirements for Online Program

• PC hardware recommendation:
  • Operating system: Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit or later
  • Processor: Multi-core Intel or AMD CPU
  • Memory/RAM: 8GB or more
  • Storage: 250GB Solid state drive (SSD) or more
  • Display card (GPU): AMD or NVIDIA
  • Mouse: 3 button mouse
  • Internet access: required

Additional Costs

• First Semester Supplies: approximately $60.00
• Seventh Semester Supplies: approximately $20.00
• Eighth Semester Supplies: approximately $20.00
• On-site program supplies: approximately $200.00 for AAS and $300.00 for BFA

Testimonials

Berkeley College alumni have praised the comprehensive curriculum and internship program, stating that it provided the expertise, hands-on experience, and industry connections that launched their careers.