Is an Interior Design Degree Online for You?
Earning an interior design degree online can be the path to exciting, creative interior design career. Whether it's your first job out of college or you're switching fields, earning your interior design degree online can be the ticket to professional success. Here's what you need to know about earning your interior design degree online.
Interior Design Degree Online Courses
Traditionally speaking, you can find the same courses if you study for your degree online as the ones offered at a traditional college degree program. Most interior design degree programs include courses in:
- Art theory and criticism
- Drawing, drafting, color and basic design principles
- Building and construction
- Computer-aided design (CAD)
- Space planning
- Art history
A Range of Interior Design Degrees
Depending on the types of interior design jobs you're interested in pursuing, you can earn a standard associate's or bachelor's degree or a specialty degree. They include:
- Associate's degree in interior design. An online degree in interior design generally takes two years and gives you the solid training to begin working immediately as an interior design field or to go on to earn a bachelor's degree in interior design.
- Bachelor's degree in interior design. Like most online bachelor's degrees, those in interior design are four-year degree programs that prepare you for an interior designer career.
While interior designers are not required to hold special licenses, many choose to earn certifications in residential kitchen and bath design.
A Wide Range of Interior Designer Career Opportunities
As an interior designer, you can work for an interior design firm, or work for your own interior design firm. Additional professions can include:
- Furniture and Textiles Designer
- Set Designer
- Space Planner
- Professional Organizer
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), interior design jobs are expected to grow 19 percent between 2008 and 2018, faster than the average for all occupations. With the focus today on sustainability, there's also great potential for success for interior designers who specialize in "green" design.
How Much Does an Interior Designer Earn?
The BLS reports that those holding online degrees and traditional college degrees in interior design can expect the highest levels of employment and salaries in the following industries:
- Specialized design services: $52,400
- Architectural, engineering and related services: $56,060
- Furniture stores: $48,510
- Building material and supplies dealers: $45,930
If you have a creative eye and enjoy working with people, earning your interior design degree online can open the doors to a rewarding career.
