Interior Design Programs in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Becoming an Interior Designer in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Aspiring Interior Designers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, have multiple educational paths available. An Interior Designer is a professional who aesthetically and functionally plans interior spaces, taking into account human behavior, building systems, and sustainability. Education options include associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and bachelor’s degrees. Each path offers a mix of theoretical instruction and hands-on training—from fundamental design principles to specialized courses like kitchen & bath design and sustainable design.

For detailed job outlook information, refer to the BLS job outlook page for Interior Designers.

About Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis is a dynamic city offering diverse cultural, educational, and artistic opportunities. Known for its rich arts scene, significant landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods such as Northeast and Downtown, Minneapolis provides an inspiring backdrop for budding creative professionals. Visit the official Minneapolis website for more details about the city’s resources and community events.

Interior Design Programs in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Below are three Interior Design program options available to residents or nearby learners. Two institutions are based in or close to Minneapolis, while the third is located outside the city (with distance noted) but remains an accessible option.

  • Dunwoody College of Technology

    • Program Offered: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Interior Design
    • Address: 13001 Lafayette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55439
    • Neighborhood: Northeast Minneapolis
    • Description: Dunwoody College offers a comprehensive four-year BS program. The curriculum emphasizes cross-disciplinary studio work with construction students and includes core courses such as Design Basics, Drafting (including AutoCAD/SketchUp), and Building Systems & Codes. Applicants typically submit portfolio reviews and ACT/SAT scores as part of the admission process.
    • Website: Dunwoody College of Technology

  • Century College

    • Program Offered: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Interior Design, 48-credit Residential Interior Design Diploma, and a 30-credit Home Furnishing Sales Certificate
    • Address: 14255 Bluff Rd, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
    • Neighborhood: White Bear Lake (approximately 20 miles east of Minneapolis)
    • Description: Century College provides affordable two-year degrees focused on hands-on training. With a cost of $180 per credit for in-state students, the institution offers core courses covering design fundamentals as well as specialized options such as Kitchen & Bath Design. Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent and prerequisite courses in math and English, with no standardized tests required.
    • Program Page: Century College Interior Design Program

  • Alexandria Technical & Community College

    • Program Offered: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Interior Design
    • Address: 420 2nd Ave NE, Alexandria, MN 56308
    • Neighborhood: Alexandria
    • Description: This institution offers a hybrid learning option for its AAS interior design program. Although located approximately 150 miles west of Minneapolis, it remains an accessible alternative for those seeking flexible scheduling and quality training.
    • Website: Alexandria Technical & Community College

Interior Design Employment Opportunities in Minneapolis

Minneapolis is home to several influential design firms and architecture companies. These organizations often seek talented Interior Designers, and many provide careers that emphasize creative innovation and sustainable practices.

  • Gensler

    • Description: A global design firm known for its comprehensive approach to architecture and interior design. Their Minneapolis office, located in the Downtown area, regularly offers opportunities for interior designers seeking to work on high-profile projects.
    • Neighborhood: Downtown Minneapolis
    • Careers Page: Gensler Careers

  • Perkins+Will

    • Description: Perkins+Will is a leader in sustainable architecture and interior design. Their Minneapolis office, situated in the heart of Downtown, facilitates innovative projects and multidisciplinary collaboration.
    • Neighborhood: Downtown Minneapolis
    • Careers Page: Perkins+Will Careers

  • HDR

    • Description: HDR offers a range of services including interior design, architecture, and engineering. Their Minneapolis office provides promising opportunities for emerging designers to work on community-driven and large-scale projects.
    • Neighborhood: Downtown Minneapolis
    • Careers Page: HDR Careers

Prerequisites for Interior Design Programs

Most Interior Design programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Specific prerequisites include:

  • Completion of prerequisite courses in math and English.
  • Submission of a portfolio showcasing previous work (especially for bachelor’s programs).
  • For bachelor’s programs, optional ACT or SAT scores and a portfolio review are common requirements.
  • For associate or diploma courses, standardized test scores are generally not needed.

Interior Design Certification and Licensure

Certification can enhance a designer’s credibility. While specific state licensure is not required in Minnesota, aspiring Interior Designers can pursue national certification to bolster their professional standing. Options include:

  • NCIDQ Certification: Offered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification. For more details, visit NCIDQ’s official website.
  • LEED AP Certification: Recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council, this certification highlights expertise in sustainable design. More information is available at the U.S. Green Building Council website.

Accreditation organizations such as the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) for bachelor’s programs and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) for specialized certificates provide further credibility. Verification of accredited programs can be confirmed via their directories.

Interior Design Degree Requirements and Resources for Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota

Official Educational Regulatory Bodies

  • Minneapolis Department of Education

  • Hennepin County Education and Workforce Development

    • Purpose: Coordinates workforce training and adult education programs within the county.
    • Website: Hennepin County
    • Contact: (612) 348-3000

  • Minnesota Department of Education

  • U.S. Department of Education

State-Specific Degree Information

  • Types of Degrees Available:

    • AAS: Interior Design Associate of Applied Science offered by Century College.
    • Diploma: 48-credit Residential Interior Design Diploma at Century College.
    • Certificate: 30-credit Home Furnishing Sales Certificate at Century College.
    • BS: A four-year Bachelor of Science in Interior Design offered by Dunwoody College of Technology.

  • Admission Requirements:

    • For AAS/Diploma: High school diploma or equivalent and prerequisite courses in math and English.
    • For Bachelor’s: Portfolio review and optional ACT/SAT scores.

  • Curriculum Requirements:

    • Core courses include Design Basics, Drafting (AutoCAD/SketchUp), and Building Systems & Codes.
    • Specializations can include Kitchen & Bath Design (Century College) and Sustainable Design (University of Minnesota).
    • Internships are typically required across both AAS and BS programs.

  • Accreditation:

    • CIDA: Accredits BS programs.
    • NKBA: Accredits specialized certificates.

Professional Organizations and Educational Resources

  • American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) – Minnesota Chapter

    • Purpose: Advocates for professional standards and offers networking, continuing education, and job listings.
    • Website: ASID Minnesota Chapter

  • Century College Interior Design Program

    • Purpose: Provides affordable, hands-on training with a focus on interior design basics and specializations.
    • Cost: $180 per credit (in-state tuition).
    • Website: Century College Interior Design Program

Career Information and Professional Development

  • Job Prospects in Minnesota:

    • Common positions include Interior Designer, Kitchen & Bath Designer, and Commercial Space Planner.
    • Salary ranges typically start from $45,000–$60,000 per year at entry-level and can reach $80,000–$110,000 per year for senior roles.
    • Employers include architecture firms, retail design studios, and hospitality companies.

  • Professional Development:

    • Key certifications include NCIDQ and LEED AP.
    • Continuing education opportunities are available via ASID Minnesota workshops and online courses through NKBA.

Get Started Today

Individuals interested in a career as an Interior Designer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, are encouraged to explore these diverse educational and professional avenues. With numerous educational institutions, regulatory support agencies, and professional organizations backing your journey, now is the time to advance your education and design skills. Contact a school of your choice today using their inquiry forms and begin your journey toward a fulfilling career in interior design.