The Interior Design four-year B.F.A. program provides a studio-focused education that prepares students for professional practice or graduate study. Students develop strong design processes and technical skills, including computer-aided design, drafting, and rendering. Coursework emphasizes construction methods, lighting, materials, and color, as well as the exploration of residential, retail, and public spaces.
The curriculum fosters creativity, discipline, and professional standards, and prepares graduates for careers in design firms, corporations, or independent practice.
As one of the only affordable and accessible four-year interior design B.F.A. programs in the SUNY system, this program leads to eligibility for New York State certification and, after the required work experience, prepares students for the NCIDQ exam, supporting advancement in the interior design profession.
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Degree Offered
Interior Design B.F.A.: Prospective students interested in the Interior Design Program must complete these requirements to be considered for admission:
- Successfully complete coursework for IDE 151, IDE 152, and IDE 153/ AAD 105 in the second semester
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.6 after the freshman year
Transfer Students: Acceptance to the major is determined after an admissions review with the Interior Design Program faculty; transcripts, portfolio of work, and course syllabi are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Completing this course sequence could take a full four years, and it should not be assumed that transfer students can graduate in two years of admission.
Becky Sturniolo, Level Five Designs
“I was unsure of my educational and life goals until I found myself in this program. It showed me a different side of art and design that I was largely unaware of, and I found myself fully immersed in it.
The professors truly make the program what it is. They gave us knowledge and experience that you won't find elsewhere in Buffalo.
This kind of environment is inspiring and creates talented, well-rounded professionals upon graduation. It not only allows for bonds to be created between us and our professors and professionals within the field, but it also creates lasting friendships between classmates.”
Who Hires Our Students?
70%
Graduates Employed in Interior Design or a Related Profession
3%
Job Growth Projection (through 2034)
7,800
Position Openings Projected Annually
$63K+
Median Salary
A BFA degree in Interior Design from Buffalo State does not lead to a single, narrow career. It shows breadth, resilience, and adaptability.
Interior designers do far more than decorate spaces. In Buffalo, New York, demand remains strong across the residential and commercial sectors, with salaries ranging from roughly $50,000 to over $100,000. Employers seek skills in sustainability, wellness, and digital design tools.
While some graduates may work in the field, others decide to pursue a master’s degree in architecture or go into a related field.
Core Interior Design & Architecture-Adjacent Roles
These directly support the building and construction ecosystem.
Why these roles are important: These roles are embedded within architecture, engineering, and construction, that shape our local economy.
- Interior Designer (Commercial, Residential, Healthcare, Education, Corporate)
- Healthcare Interior Designer / Planner
- Interior Architect
- Architectural Interiors Specialist
- Design Consultant
- Space Planner
- Programming & Pre Design Analyst
- Workplace Strategist
- Facilities Planning Specialist
- Specifier / Materials Specialist
- Sustainability or WELL / LEED Design Consultant
Healthcare, Public Health & Human-Centered Design Roles
Why these roles are important: These roles directly contribute to health outcomes, patient safety, public wellness, and health equity. They are a major strength opportunity given Buffalo’s healthcare ecosystem.
- Evidence Based Design Specialist
- Healthcare Facilities Planner
- Patient Experience Designer
- Behavioral Health Environment Designer
- Aging in Place Design Specialist
- Pediatric / Oncology / Trauma Informed Design Specialist
- Universal Design Consultant
- Health & Safety Design Advisor
- Infection Prevention Design Consultant
- Pre and Post Occupancy Evaluation Specialist
Government, Public Sector & Institutional Careers
Why these roles are important: This is public service, workforce development, and taxpayer ROI.
- State or Municipal Facilities Planner
- School District Facilities Designer
- Higher Education Facilities Planning Staff
- VA / Military Facilities Interior Designer
- Public Housing Design Consultant
- Code Review or Compliance Specialist
- Accessibility (ADA) Consultant
- Risk Management & Safety Planner
Construction, Project Management & Real Estate Roles
Why these roles are important: Graduates plug into regional development and economic growth.
- Interior Construction Project Manager
- Owner’s Representative
- Design Build Coordinator
- Construction Documentation Specialist
- Cost Estimating / Value Engineering Support
- Real Estate Development Design Analyst
- Tenant Improvement Coordinator
- Facilities Operations Planner
Sustainability, Resilience & Climate Responsive Design
Why these roles are important: This intersects with climate action, public health, and sustainability mandates.
- Sustainable Materials Researcher
- Resilient Design Consultant
- Climate Adaptive Interiors Specialist
- Circular Economy Design Consultant
- Indoor Environmental Quality Specialist
- Environmental Health & Design Analyst
Design Research, Data & Analysis Roles
Why these roles are important: These roles use data, metrics, research methods, and evidence to advance the spaces we live and work in.
- Design Researcher
- Post Occupancy Evaluation Analyst
- Human Factors / Ergonomics Specialist
- Workplace Performance Analyst
- User Experience (UX) Spatial Researcher
- Behavioral Science & Design Liaison
Education, Outreach & Knowledge Transfer
Why these roles are important: This supports educational pipelines and access.
- Interior Design Educator
- Career & Technical Education Instructor
- Community Design Facilitator
- Museum or Exhibit Designer
- Design Program Coordinator
- Public Education & Engagement Specialist
Product, Industry & Manufacturer Roles
Why these roles are important: Strong ties to industry partnerships and internship pipelines.
- Product Designer / Developer
- Workplace Furniture Systems Planner
- Lighting Design Specialist
- Finishes & Materials Consultant
- Sales Engineering for Design Products
- Manufacturer Technical Representative
Emerging & Hybrid Careers (Critical for Viability Arguments)
Why these roles are important: These show the program is future resilient, not nostalgic.
- Service Design Lead
- Experience Design Strategist
- Virtual / Hybrid Environment Designer
- Digital Space & Simulation Specialist
- Design Thinking Facilitator
- Innovation Lab Designer
American Society of Interior Designers (ASID): Through the local chapter of the national organization, students can gain access to real-world scenarios and information provided by visiting professionals, as well as network with others in the field. ASID also provides information on conventions, innovations, and research in the field. Students also can enter competitions.
Anne Frank Project: a social justice festival that uses storytelling, performances, and art exhibits as a vehicle for community-building, conflict resolution, and identity exploration.
Czurles-Nelson Gallery: This campus art gallery is open to students within the Art and Design disciplines to exhibit their work.
Student Art Sale: an annual event from which students keep 75 percent of their sales and gain valuable exposure.
Study abroad: Interior design students have opportunities to study abroad including in Italy, Denmark, Canada, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
Visual Arts Board: a student organization dedicated to uniting Buffalo State’s visual arts community.
Undergraduate Research: Researching alongside faculty members or through an independent study is a life-changing experience. They can present their findings at the university's annual Research and Creativity Conference.
Internships: Students must complete an internship with a reputable interior designer or architect before graduation. Because Buffalo State is located in New York State's second-largest city, students have access to all the city offers. Buff State’s interior design program remains the top choice for local interior design and architectural firms for hiring interns and employees, thereby serving regional employers who need interior design graduates trained for complex environments.