We're Accredited

The interior design program leading to the BFA in Interior Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 206 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. 

The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The BFA in Interior Design granted by Buffalo State meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: https://www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements. 

CIDA is the definitive accrediting agency for postsecondary interior design education. Interior designers are sought after professionals because of their education and expertise in elevating the human experience in the built environment.

Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) logo

Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA)

CIDA is an independent, non-profit accrediting organization for interior design education programs at colleges and universities in the United States and internationally, identifying, developing, and promoting quality standards for the education of entry-level interior designers.

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National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) logo

National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)

NASAD is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities with approximately 349 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for art and design and art/design-related disciplines, and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other art/design-related endeavors.

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Middle States Commission on Higher Education logo

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

MSCHE is a voluntary, non-governmental, membership association that defines, maintains, and promotes educational excellence across institutions with diverse missions, student populations, and resources, and is an institutional accreditor.

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CIDA Accreditation

Industry Responsibility

CIDA is the only accrediting body specifically focused on interior design. CIDA is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for professional-level interior design programs that culminate
in a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Industry-Wide Impact

Over 18,000 students in 190 CIDA-accredited interior design programs worldwide bene t from CIDA standards and quality assurance. CIDA-accredited program graduates hold many successful positions in both education and practice, and overall perform stronger on the NCIDQ exam.

Industry Connector

Ranked as one of the most influential factors in curriculum development and student recruitment, CIDA harnesses expertise in the field of interior design to develop its quality assurance standards. Standards keep pace with rapid changes in the field through annual forecasting.

CIDA Value Metrics

  • CIDA is among the first and most common resources that students and parents consult when choosing and interior design program.

  • Over 60% of professionals with hiring responsibility gave preference to graduates from CIDA- accredited programs.

  • Students from CIDA-accredited programs score an average of 16% higher on the NCIDQ Exam than non-CIDA grads. For the IDFX, the pass-rate is 18.5% higher.

  • Over 65% of professionals from CIDA programs believe that accreditation has positively impacted their ability to get their first job.

  • Over 56% of professionals from CIDA programs believe that accreditation has positively impacted their career advancement.

  • Interior design educators that graduated from CIDA programs are 25% more likely to be educators 1-15 years from now than those who graduated from non- CIDA programs.

  • Over 70% of professionals from CIDA programs believe that accreditation has positively impacted their ability to differentiate from others during a job search.

  • Nearly 3/4 of professionals believe that CIDA adds value and qualifications as viewed by employers, clients and colleagues.

  • Over 60% of professionals with hiring responsibility gave preference to graduates from CIDA-accredited programs.

  • Students from CIDA-accredited programs score an average of 16% higher on the NCIDQ Exam than non-CIDA grads. For the IDFX, the pass-rate is 18.5% higher.

  • Over 40% of respondents that graduated from a CIDA-accredited program hold a master’s degree or above.