6 Best Interior Design Schools in Memphis, TN

The University of Memphis is a public university located in Memphis.

It is the strongest local option for students who want a full interior architecture degree without leaving the city.

The program is part of the Department of Architecture, which makes it a good fit for students who want interior design education connected to architecture, space planning, building systems, and real design projects.

Programs Offered

The University of Memphis offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture.

The program includes design studios, space planning, interior environments, building systems, design communication, materials, lighting, codes, sustainability, digital tools, and professional practice.

Students work through studio projects and build a portfolio as they move through the program.

The department also emphasizes community-based design work, so students may have opportunities to connect classroom projects with real local needs.

Students interested in professional certification should ask how the program supports NCIDQ exam preparation and Tennessee interior design credential requirements.

Tuition and Cost

As a public university, the University of Memphis costs depend on residency, fees, course load, housing, and supplies.

Tennessee residents usually pay less than out-of-state students.

Full-time students should expect tuition and fees to cost several thousand dollars per semester.

Interior architecture students should also budget about $1,000 to $3,000 per year for software, a laptop, studio supplies, printing, models, books, samples, and portfolio materials.

Program Length

The BFA in Interior Architecture is usually an 8-semester, 4-year program.

Southwest Tennessee Community College is a public community college located in Memphis.

It is one of the most practical and affordable local options for students who want design-related technical training.

Southwest does not operate as a full interior design studio school, but its architectural design technology program is very relevant for students interested in floor plans, drafting, construction documents, and design software.

Programs Offered

Southwest offers an Associate of Applied Science in Architectural Design Technology.

The program prepares students for work as architectural design technicians.

Students may study architectural drawing, building design, CAD, construction documentation, technical drafting, design communication, building materials, and related software.

For interior design students, this route can be useful because interior designers often need to understand floor plans, elevations, building layouts, and technical drawings.

It is more drafting and architecture-focused than decorating-focused, so students who want furniture, textiles, lighting design, and studio interiors should compare it with the University of Memphis interior architecture program.

Tuition and Cost

As a public community college, Southwest is generally more affordable than university or private school programs.

A 2-year associate degree may cost several thousand dollars in tuition and fees depending on residency and credit load.

Students should also budget about $500 to $1,500 per year for books, drafting supplies, software access, lab fees, printing, and computer needs.

Program Length

The AAS degree is usually about 2 years for full-time students.

Southwest Tennessee Community College also offers online interior design-related courses through continuing education.

This is a good option for beginners who want a short, low-commitment introduction before starting a full degree or certificate.

It may also work for homeowners, decorators, real estate professionals, or students testing whether interior design is the right field for them.

Programs Offered

The Interior Design Basics course introduces essential interior design concepts.

Students may study space planning, material selection, color theory, lighting design, decorating principles, furniture placement, and basic design decision-making.

This option is not a full professional interior design program.

It is best used as an introduction or supplement to longer study in interior architecture, CAD, drafting, or residential design.

Tuition and Cost

Short online continuing education courses are usually much less expensive than degree programs.

Students may pay around $100 to a few hundred dollars for an introductory course, depending on the course format and current pricing.

Extra costs are usually limited, but students may need internet access, a computer, optional books, and basic project materials.

Program Length

Introductory online courses often run about 6 weeks.

The University of Memphis also offers online career training through its continuing education platform.

This option can be useful for Memphis-area students who want a flexible residential interior design course but do not want to enroll in a full campus-based degree program.

It is a good fit for beginners, career changers, decorators, home stagers, and students who want residential design training from home.

Programs Offered

The online Certified Residential Interior Designer course focuses on home interiors.

Students may study space planning, color, furniture, materials, lighting, client needs, residential project planning, design presentations, and business basics.

This route is more residential and non-degree focused than the BFA in Interior Architecture.

Students who want commercial interiors, studio-based training, NCIDQ preparation, or professional registration should carefully compare these options with degree-based programs.

Tuition and Cost

Online residential interior design training commonly costs about $2,000 to $3,000.

Students may also need to budget about $100 to $500 for books, optional materials, internet access, and a capable computer.

Software costs depend on whether the course requires specific tools or whether students choose to practice with digital design programs.

Program Length

The course is about 160 hours and is usually self-paced.

Many students complete it in about 6 to 12 months.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a public university in Knoxville, several hours east of Memphis.

It is not local, but it is one of the strongest Tennessee options for students who want a full interior architecture degree.

It may be worth comparing for Memphis students who are willing to relocate for a studio-based design education.

Programs Offered

UT Knoxville offers a Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture.

The program includes design studios, technical courses, visual communication, design theory, materials, lighting, building systems, sustainability, digital tools, and professional practice.

The program is designed as a professional interior architecture pathway rather than a short residential decorating course.

Students interested in the NCIDQ or other credentials should ask how the curriculum, degree level, and required work experience align with their long-term plans.

Tuition and Cost

As a public university, UT Knoxville costs depend on residency, fees, housing, course load, and supplies.

Tennessee residents usually pay less than out-of-state students.

Full-time students should expect tuition and fees to cost several thousand dollars per semester.

Interior architecture students should also budget about $1,000 to $3,000 per year for software, laptop needs, studio supplies, printing, models, books, samples, and portfolio development.

Program Length

The BS in Interior Architecture is a 4-year program.

Middle Tennessee State University is a public university in Murfreesboro, near Nashville.

It is farther from Memphis, but it is another major Tennessee option for students who want a full interior architecture degree.

MTSU may be useful for students comparing public university programs across the state.

Programs Offered

MTSU offers a Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture.

Students study interior design studios, space planning, lighting, materials, furniture, building systems, sustainability, digital design, codes, professional practice, and portfolio development.

The program is CIDA-accredited, which can matter for students who want professional interior design preparation.

Students should still confirm how the program supports NCIDQ exam eligibility and Tennessee interior design credential requirements.

Tuition and Cost

As a public university, MTSU costs depend on residency, fees, housing, and course load.

Tennessee residents usually pay less than out-of-state students.

Full-time students should expect tuition and fees to cost several thousand dollars per semester.

Interior architecture students should also budget about $1,000 to $2,500 per year for software, a laptop, books, studio supplies, printing, models, samples, and portfolio work.

Program Length

The BS in Interior Architecture is usually a 4-year program.