Education is the foundation for a wide range of exciting careers. So if your dream is to spruce up the interiors of homes and offices across America, then it's time to start looking into interior design schools.

When beginning the journey into higher education, it's important to do your research before investing time, energy, and money in a program. Along with traditional campuses, you will also find numerous opportunities for degrees from online interior design schools like the Sheffield School of Interior Design.

Potential designers often seek programs with accreditation from the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, formerly called FIDER (Foundation of Interior Design Education Research). Although this endorsement is not required, it is sought after by top interior design schools such as the New York School of Interior Design.

Together with options to study on a campus or study at home, you also have the opportunity to pursue different levels of degrees. The following types of programs are currently offered:

• Certificates - Local community colleges and continuing education programs typically offer training certificates in the area of interior design. The length and intensity of these courses varies by region and school, but generally the cost is more affordable than pursuing a two or four year degree.
• Associate Degree - This two-year degree plan is offered at many universities and community colleges. A good program will include an internship or practicum as part of your study.
• Bachelor Degree - As a four-year degree, this is the most intense curriculum, starting with design basics and working up to classes in residential and commercial interior design. A long-term internship with a design firm should be incorporated to the program.
• Graduate Degree - If you already have a bachelor degree, consider pursuing a Masters or Doctorate degree from one of the top interior design schools. If your goal is to work as an executive-level commercial designer or become a professor in the field, then this may be valuable.

Bachelor of Interior Architecture/Design

1. University of Cincinnati
2. Pratt Institute
3. Kansas State University
4. Cornell University
5. Arizona State University
6. University of Oregon
7. Auburn University
8. University of Texas at Austin (tie)
   Washington State University (tie)
9. California College of the Arts (tie)
   University of Florida (tie)*

Bachelor of Architecture

1. Cornell University
2. University of Cincinnati
3. Rice University
4. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
5. Syracuse University
6. Kansas State University
7. Rhode Island School of Design
8. University of Texas at Austin
9. Carnegie Mellon University
10. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
11. University of Oregon
12. Iowa State University
13. Illinois Institute of Technology (tie)
    Pennsylvania State University (tie)
    University of Minnesota (tie)

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture

1. Ohio State University
2. University of Georgia
3. Kansas State University
4. Pennsylvania State University
5. Louisiana State University
6. Cornell University
7. Purdue University
8. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (tie)
   Michigan State University (tie)
9. Ball State University (tie)
   California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (tie)
10. Iowa State University (tie)
    University of Massachusetts (tie)
11. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
12. Mississippi State University

Master of Landscape Architecture

1. Harvard University
2. University of Pennsylvania
3. University of California, Berkeley
4. Louisiana State University (tie)
   University of Georgia (tie)
5. University of Virginia
6. Cornell University
7. Kansas State University (tie)
   University of Michigan (tie)
8. Ohio State University
9. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (tie)
   North Carolina State University (tie)
   University of Massachusetts (tie)
10. Auburn University
11. Rhode Island School of Design

More than 130 schools and universities in the United States and Canada are members of the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research, the accrediting organization for interior design schools that sets standards for curriculum and quality. California, with twelve FIDER-accredited schools, has the most of any state.

*According to the 2005 Almanac of Architecture and Design, these schools offer the top Interior Design programs in the country.

As you begin to find the best interior design school for you, there are a few places to start your research. First of all, keep in mind the differences between interior decorating and interior design programs. Interior decorating is a part of design and involves the selection and application items like furniture, window treatments, wall treatments, flooring, and fixtures. Interior design goes a step further by incorporating architectural coursework in order to cover the structural elements of design.