Professional or Residential Interior Design Certificate Online

  • Online

Residential or Professional Interior Design Certificate

Advance your interior design career aspirations.

Bringing beautiful, functional spaces to life isn’t as simple and straightforward as it might seem. Interior designers make it look effortless, but their work leverages a whole host of technical abilities alongside their natural eye for details. By completing a Fairfield University interior design certificate online, you’ll acquire the industry knowledge and practical experience you need to be successful in the field.

Obtain a residential interior design certificate to gain the qualifications needed to specialize in residential spaces. Or pursue a professional interior design certificate to learn more complex concepts and qualify to take on commercial projects.

Completion time: 24 months (residential interior design certificate) or 36 months (professional interior design certificate)

Schedule: Part-time

Start Dates: Fall (September) | Spring (January) 

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Black woman with glasses going over architectural plans in a studio setting

Completing the professional interior design certificate prepares students to become Allied Members of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

Curriculum

Gain practical interior design training as a student.

Further your understanding of design fundamentals and develop technical abilities, such as drafting architectural drawings and delivering persuasive presentations, while completing an interior design certificate program online. Your coursework will provide numerous opportunities for gaining hands-on experience and creating a professional portfolio. Students pursuing the professional interior design certificate will delve into even more complex topics, which will prepare them to become an Allied Member of ASID.

Learn more about the Fairfield University residential interior design certificate or professional interior design certificate. Take the next step

Potential employment options for professionals who’ve completed an interior design certificate program:

  • Interior design firms
  • Retail stores
  • Architectural firms
  • Nonprofit organizations

Courses (30–31 credits for residential or 42–43 credits for professional)

  • Drawing and Presentation
  • History of Furniture I
  • History of Furniture II
  • Business of Interior Design
  • Interior Design I
  • Color Design
  • Perspective Techniques
  • Lighting for Interiors
  • Interior Design II
  • Interior Design III
  • Textiles for Interiors
  • Rendering
  • Basic Computer-Aided Design
  • Interior Design IV
  • History of Architecture
  • Sustainable Design
  • Kitchen and Bath Design
  • 3-D Architectural Computer-Aided Design
  • Commercial Design

Seamlessly start your master’s degree.

Students pursuing a professional interior design certificate or a residential interior design certificate can apply their credits toward a master’s degree in interior design without repeating any coursework.

Open the door to a career you’re passionate about by pursuing an interior design certificate online.

Highlights

Flexibility that accommodates your needs.

In addition to being fully online, these interior design certificate programs are delivered in a part-time format to meet the needs of working adults. All courses are held in real time, which allows students to receive real-time feedback and learn from one another. Students can attend these once-per-week classes at convenient times during the day or evening.

Clear-cut route to a master’s degree.

Fairfield’s interior design certificates are intentionally crafted to build directly into a master of arts in interior design. Students who are pursuing a certificate can, at any time, transition into the master’s program — and they won’t have to repeat any coursework. This allows students to continue to build off what they’ve learned. Those pursuing a residential interior design certificate can also apply their credits toward the professional interior design certificate, if they wish.

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Faculty & Academic Approach

Learn from industry experts.

Fairfield’s award-winning faculty have deep expertise in topics such as residential interiors and sustainable design. Many are also contributors to some of the most respected publications in the industry. You’ll benefit from their firsthand insights and guidance as you complete your professional interior design certificate or residential interior design certificate.

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Rob Hardy

Rob Hardy

As a certified interior designer, Rob Hardy has specialized in residential design, construction and renovation. He teaches core courses and serves as mentor and advisor for all students in the program.

Hollie Sutherland

Hollie Sutherland

Hollie Sutherland has been teaching interior design at Fairfield University for eight years, and she also runs an interior design business. In her practice, she focuses on residential design and sustainable design, utilizing her LEED AP.

Experience our College of Arts and Sciences.

Fairfield University’s College of Arts and Sciences offers graduate degree programs and certificates designed to help you qualify for more advanced opportunities, transition to a new career, or nurture your own professional development. Our rigorous coursework and commitment to lifelong learning can help give new meaning to your chosen field. Experience our intimate academic community that challenges you to tackle real-world problems.

Learn more about the College of Arts and Sciences

Discover your calling as an interior designer. Earn your interior design certificate online.

Admissions & Aid

Guidance to support your journey to an interior design certificate.

From your first admissions conversation to graduation and beyond, you’ll find support at every turn. The Fairfield University student support network is dedicated to meeting your needs. You’ll have access to personal, academic, and financial guidance as you complete your professional interior design certificate or residential interior design certificate.

Explore Graduate Financial Aid

Explore Graduate Student Resources

Admission requirements

Applicants to the Fairfield University’s interior design certificate programs must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. A GPA of 3.0 is preferred.

  • A completed online application.
  • A non-refundable $65 application fee paid by credit card. (Application fee is waived for current Fairfield students or anyone who attends an information session.)
  • A professional resume. Applicants are required to submit a current resume that includes employment and education history (submit online).
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
  • A potential interview. Applicants may be required to participate in an interview as part of the admission process. If required, candidates will be contacted by the program director to schedule an appointment.

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Apply for a graduate scholarship or assistantship

Fairfield’s College of Arts and Sciences offers a number of graduate assistant positions that offer stipends to students who provide administrative and faculty support. Questions can be directed to Jean Daniele at jdaniele@fairfield.edu. Additionally, the Albert M. Loch Scholarship is awarded to one graduate student who has a GPA of 3.5 or higher and demonstrates financial need. Students must submit one faculty letter of recommendation and a completed application, including a cover letter.

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