Online Interior Design Degrees, Certificates, Diplomas from Top Colleges and Universities

Degrees in Interior Design

Do you want to work in the exciting field of interior design? You need to get yourself the right post-secondary college education. Interior designers are responsible for designing the interior and sometimes exterior areas of residential, commercial, and public areas that people frequent. Interior designers must have excellent artistic skills and awareness of function and form. They need to be able to read blueprints, know fire and buildings codes, and work with the needs of their clients, including those who are disabled. Interior designers plan spaces for all kinds of buildings including airports, schools, hospitals, shopping locations, offices, and individual homes.

Education Requirement and Degrees for Interior Designers

Entry-level positions in the interior design field, almost always require some college training beyond high school. Colleges and professional design schools offer excellent 2 and 4 year training programs in interior design. Those who graduate from a 2 or 3 year program are granted an associate's degree (2 year degree) or a certification. Those who complete a 4 year program, bachelor's degree, are generally eligible to qualify for a formal interior design apprenticeship program. Interior designers that complete such programs find it easier to be hired by high end design groups.

Completing an apprenticeship is critical to most interior designers, if they want to work for high end design firms. These apprenticeships generally take 1 to 3 years to complete and provide designers with excellent experience. The apprenticeships also prepare designers with experience and potential clientele if they wish to become self-employed, which many are. Many states require interior designers to have a license to work in their state. The requirements to take the exam vary by state but generally include at least 6 years or working experience in the interior design field, 2 years of which must be college training.

Courses in an interior design program include color design, fabrics, furniture design, architecture, ergonomics, ethics, drawing, perspective, CAD-computerized drafting software, and other courses. Some programs may also include basic business courses like finance and accounting, along with courses about building codes and function in living spaces.

Earning Potential for Interior Designers

Once, you have completed the correct education requirements, you can work as an interior designer doing something you love. In 2008, the average wages for an interior designer were around $44,900 annually, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. The architectural and engineering industries employed the most interior designers and paid average wages of around $49,200 annually.

If you are interested in earning a degree in Interior Design, click here to request more information.

Interior Design Career Outlook

Opportunities for people with Interior Design degrees is excellent, although having an education and experience will make you more competitive in this industry. Economic development and increasing homeowner wealth will create more demand for interior designers.

People with Interior Design degrees work as: Interior designers, in-store designers, garden store designers, commercial designers, environmental designers, ergonomic designers and elder designers.

Interior Design Salary Information

Environmental designers create spaces that are environmentally friendly and more health conscious. Ergonomic designers create spaces that emphasize good posture, and elder designers create spaces for the elderly. Many interior designers work for themselves. Average earnings range from $45,000 to $65,000 per year.

Interior Design Required Job Skills and Knowledge

Most employers look for applicants with at least an associate's degree in interior design. Having a bachelor's degree will make you even more competitive. Interior designers should have strong creative skills, be familiar with computer-aided design (CAD) software, and be able to effectively communicate their design ideas both verbally and in writing. Interior designers who understand how to make their designs meet building codes are especially in demand as well. Completing an internship or gaining some interior design experience is also important to employers.