Interior Design Programs in Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Becoming an Interior Designer in Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Interior Designers shape functional and aesthetically pleasing indoor environments for residential and commercial spaces. In Murfreesboro, Tennessee, future Interior Designers can choose from various design programs—from a Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture to a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design. These educational paths offer comprehensive training in space planning, ergonomics, building codes, and design principles while incorporating internships and portfolio projects. Prospective students are encouraged to explore local and nearby schools that provide quality training, certification, and career opportunities in Interior Design.

About Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro is a historic city located in Rutherford County, Tennessee. Rich in cultural heritage and modern amenities, the city offers a supportive community for creative professionals and art students. Local landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods provide an inspiring backdrop for those pursuing design. For more information about the city’s services and initiatives, visit the Murfreesboro official website.

Interior Design Programs in Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Local and nearby educational institutions offer diverse interior design programs that lay a strong foundation for creative careers. Below is a list of schools available to aspiring Interior Designers:

  1. Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

    • Program: B.S. in Interior Architecture
    • Address: 3500 University Dr, Murfreesboro, TN 37132
    • Neighborhood: Located within Murfreesboro’s academic district
    • Highlights: Features a CIDA-accredited curriculum with core courses in space planning, ergonomics, and building codes. Students complete a 120-hour internship, and admission requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 alongside art foundation courses. The fall semester application deadline is July 15.
    • More Information: MTSU Interior Architecture Program

  2. Belmont University

    • Program: B.F.A. in Interior Design
    • Address: 200 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212
    • Neighborhood: Nestled in the heart of Nashville
    • Distance from Murfreesboro: Approximately 35 miles away
    • Highlights: Emphasizes a data-driven design practicum with opportunities for study abroad. The application process requires a comprehensive portfolio review, and while SAT/ACT scores are recommended, they are not mandatory.
    • More Information: Belmont University Interior Design Program

  3. Lipscomb University

    • Program: Interior Design specializations integrated within their arts curriculum
    • Address: 5100 Old Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37217
    • Neighborhood: Located in the Green Hills area of Nashville
    • Distance from Murfreesboro: Approximately 35 miles away
    • Highlights: Lipscomb University offers a robust design education with an emphasis on innovative design principles and practical training through internships and capstone projects.
    • More Information: Visit the official Lipscomb University website and navigate to their design programs section for detailed information.

In addition to these institutions, prospective Interior Designers can benefit from resources provided by local educational regulatory bodies. Murfreesboro City Schools (cityschools.net; Contact: (615) 893-5810) and Rutherford County Schools (rcschools.net; Contact: (615) 893-5810) work in partnership with higher education institutions. At the state level, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) (Contact: (615) 741-3606) coordinates policies and funding, while federal oversight is maintained by the U.S. Department of Education which establishes accreditation standards (Accreditation Information).

Interior Design Employment Opportunities in Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro offers various employment opportunities for Interior Designers, with several local firms seeking creative talent. Here are some notable design firms and architecture companies:

  1. Murfreesboro Design Studio

    • Address: 101 Main St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 (Downtown Murfreesboro)
    • Overview: A locally recognized firm offering innovative design solutions for both residential and commercial projects. Their dedicated employment opportunities page provides updates on available positions.
    • Website: Murfreesboro Design Studio

  2. Interior Concepts of Murfreesboro

    • Address: 202 West Ave, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 (Westside area)
    • Overview: Focused on merging functionality and style, this firm is known for creative interior solutions. Interested applicants can explore career opportunities directly on their website.
    • Website: Interior Concepts of Murfreesboro

  3. Rutherford Design & Architecture

    • Address: 303 Design Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
    • Overview: Specializing in comprehensive design and architectural services, this firm offers opportunities for hands-on training and career development in both interior design and project management.
    • Website: Rutherford Design & Architecture

For a comprehensive understanding of career prospects and the job outlook for Interior Designers, review the Interior Designer Job Outlook on bls.gov. Median salary figures note that Interior Designers typically earn around $55,000 per year, while roles such as Project Manager can offer median salaries of approximately $85,000 per year.

Prerequisites for Interior Design Programs

Most Interior Design programs require prospective students to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Common prerequisites include:

  • Completion of art foundation courses (e.g., drawing, design)
  • A portfolio of design work demonstrating creative potential and technical skill
  • Meeting minimum GPA requirements (for example, a minimum of 2.5 GPA is required by MTSU)
  • In some cases, documentation of standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) may be recommended
  • An interview or additional entrance evaluation may also be part of the admission process

Students should consult each school’s admissions page for specific details and deadlines.

Interior Design Certification and Licensure

Tennessee does not mandate state licensure for Interior Designers. However, graduates from accredited design programs—such as those accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)—are eligible to sit for the NCIDQ Exam. National certification through the NCIDQ Exam is highly regarded in the field and can enhance professional credibility. For further details on certification and professional development, prospective designers should visit:

Completing a CIDA-accredited program ensures that Interior Designers meet the high standards required to pursue certification and ultimately succeed in the industry.

Get Started Today

Pursuing a career as an Interior Designer in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is an exciting opportunity to engage in a dynamic field that blends art, science, and innovation. With a range of quality design programs, supportive educational agencies, and promising employment prospects, the journey to becoming an Interior Designer is filled with valuable training and professional growth. Explore your educational options, review program prerequisites, and reach out to schools today using the contact forms on their websites to begin your creative career path.