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  As the need for interior designers increases, the requirements for accreditation are becoming more stringent. In Florida, students must complete years of coursework and gain experience in the field. They then must pass a qualifying exam in order to meet state certification guidelines. Fortunately, there are many choices of interior design colleges throughout the state.
  
  

The Institute of Interior Design

• The Institute of Interior Design at Southwest Florida College provides the staff, materials and resources required for students to achieve success in the field of interior design. Professional designers teach students how to enhance the ambiance of a given space in terms of purpose, features and attractiveness. Students can follow a program leading to a BA in Interior Design, an associate degree in Interior Design & Decorating, or a diploma in Kitchen & Bath. General education courses required for degrees are offered at Southwest Florida College in Fort Myers or online. The Institute assists students in meeting the goal of becoming a licensed interior designer by preparing them to sit for the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) exam and garnering the necessary hands-on experience.
  
  The Institute of Interior Design
  10800 Corkscrew Rd
  Estero, FL 33928
  877-206-8382
  Instituteofinteriordesign.com
  
  

Seminole State College of Florida

• The interior design program of Seminole State College offers professional accreditation and over thirty years of experience. Students may choose to follow a program leading to a four-year Bachelor of Applied Science in Interior Design, associate degrees in Interior Design Technology with the option of a kitchen and bath specialty, or Kitchen and Bath Design certification. The curriculum is designed with up-to-the minute coursework incorporating green elements and Computer Aided Design (CAD). The Heathrow Campus is the recipient of an award from the American Institute of Architects and features 65,000 square feet with the latest technology, including Wi-Fi and audio visual systems. Students have the advantage of community and professional projects, trips and activities. The professional staff is state licensed and active in the interior design industry in Florida.
  
  Seminole State College of Florida
  Heathrow Campus
  1066 AAA Drive
  Heathrow, FL 32746
  407-708-4514
  Seminolestate.edu
  
  

University of Florida

• The University of Florida College of Design, Construction and Planning's Department of Interior Design offers a program that allows students to create interior spaces that meet the unique needs of clients. Students will team with users, contractors and the community to produce suitable interior spaces. The program involves field experience through internships, research and other educational opportunities, and leads to a four-year bachelor's degree or a five-year master's degree. In addition, interdisciplinary and doctoral degrees are available. The emphasis is on research in a studio setting where the low faculty-to-student ratio fosters skills. Digital tablets, large-scale color printing and digital projectors enhance the studio experience. The department is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
  
  University of Florida
  201 Criser Hall
  PO Box 114000
  Gainsville, FL 32611
  352-392-1365
  dcp.ufl.edu