Interior Design

Interior Design FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become an Interior Designer?
As of this writing, 25 U.S. jurisdictions and 8 Canadian provinces legally recognize Interior Design. It is expected that the rest of the states will pass legislation within the next several years. The model language document created by NCIDQ, the organization that represents the state and provincial regulatory boards, suggests a minimum of three steps for one to become legally recognized:

  1. education from a Council for Interior Design Accreditation (formerly FIDER) accredited program
  2. two years of experience working for an NCIDQ certified interior designer
  3. passage of the NCIDQ examination

Can I enroll even if I have no previous experience or education in Interior Design?
The BAC's tradition of open admission goes back to 1889. As an open and accessible school, we require only that students submit an official high school transcript if they are applying for the undergraduate program or an official college transcript and an essay (part of the application form) if they are applying for the graduate program. Most of our graduate degree students are second- and third-career professionals, having no prior education or experience in Interior Design.

Our undergraduate degree students include recent high school graduates, associate degree graduates, or students who have many years of experience in an unrelated field, yet have not had the chance to complete a bachelor degree program. We also have occasional master degree candidates who have undergraduate degrees in architecture and wish to pursue a Master of Interior Design degree.

Will you help me find a job to fulfill practice component requirements?
Approximately 30% of our students use our "laboratory" listing to secure a job. The other 70% use the traditional approaches of hobnobbing, networking, and newspaper scouring. The laboratory listings exist to give students a head start on locating a position. However, each student is responsible for contacting prospective employers, scheduling appointments, and following up with various job opportunities. Our Practice Component office is available to assist you with tips on resume and interview preparation.