Interior Design Bachelor’s Degree Online
Is an Interior Design Degree for You?
Interior design is the study of design principles and how they are applied to enhance the quality and functionality of interior physical spaces. In interior design programs, students learn about how the aesthetics of a room can be enhanced through creative design solutions, such as light, color, and space. They also learn about technical design solutions and ways that architecture and perspective increase the functionality of a room. Students then draw upon their knowledge to design interior spaces and draft floor plans. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment within the field of interior design is projected in increase 19% by 2018, particularly in the areas of home remodeling, healthcare facility design, and green design.
Advice for Earning Your Interior Design Degree Online
Attaining an interior design degree online requires a hands-on commitment. Under the instruction of their professors, students become familiar with the design software used in the profession. If students prefer to do the work under the guidance of the professor in person, they may consider enrolling in an online college with campuses in their area. Before choosing an online college, however, it's important for students to do the necessary research to determine whether or not a school is right for them. That entails checking the accreditation status of their prospective colleges, which can be accomplished by visiting the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Postsecondary Accredited Institutions. Accreditation is a quality assurance measure that indicates a college meets established standards for education. Students can also check the accreditation status of design programs by visiting the website of the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
Required Courses
Interior design majors study a variety of topics covering the different aspects of the discipline. A degree plan may include courses such as technical design, visual presentation, CAD for interior design, interior material and components, residential interiors, non-residential interiors, and business practices in interior design. Courses differ depending on whether a student specializes in commercial or residential design. Additionally, students are required to complete core courses such as English composition, pre-calculus, economics, science, and history. Many aspiring interior designers choose to supplement their major with a minor in business, which equips them with the knowledge they need to operate their own company.
Common Career Paths
Interior design graduates can pursue a variety of career paths. Many are employed in retail store planning, office design, historic preservation, healthcare facilities, and hospitality. Entry-level positions can be found in retail environments or small design studios. As employees gain more experience, they can move into a management role. Common career paths include (but are not limited to):
- Residential Interior Designer
Residential interior designers create layouts and floor plans for residential buildings like homes and apartment complexes. They are concerned with designing livable, comfortable spaces that can be utilized for sleeping, dining, recreation, and storage purposes. To make sure that interior spaces are designed for both functionality and aesthetics, interior designers adjust features like lighting, furniture, colors, materials, textures, and finishes. Some designers may also have a hand in selecting furniture, artwork, lighting fixtures, floors, and window coverings. This type of interior designer works closely with clients as well as with architects, construction managers, building material suppliers, and furnishing manufacturers.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of interior designers is projected to increase by 19% by 2018. PayScale.com reports that the average annual salary of interior designers ranges from $32,319 to $49,710.
- Commercial Interior Designer
Commercial interior designers create layouts and floor plans for commercial buildings and business spaces like offices, lobbies, stores, restaurants, and stores. They are concerned with applying creative and technical design solutions to create productive spaces that enhance worker efficiency, increase profits, and attract clientele. To make sure that business spaces are designed for both functionality and aesthetics, they take into consideration factors like the flow of traffic, customer comfort, business equipment, and ergonomics. This type of interior designer works closely with building owners, architects, building contractors, construction managers, building material suppliers, electricians, and building inspectors.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of this type of designers is projected to increase by 19% by 2018. More business are using interior design services to redesign offices, restaurants, and stores to improve employee and customer satisfaction. The BLS also reported that in May 2008, the median annual salary for interior designers was $44,950, with those in architectural, engineering, and specialized design services earning the highest amounts.
- Environmental Designer
Environmental designers create interior design plans that utilize environmentally-friendly materials and resources for both commercial and residential spaces. They are concerned with applying practical and technical design solutions to create productive spaces that minimize waste, increase productivity, and are energy efficient. To ensure that interior spaces are as "green" as they can be, these designers take into consideration factors like air filtration, plumbing options, eco-smart lighting, chemical-free furniture, and energy-efficient construction materials.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of this type of designer is projected to increase by 19% by 2018. A higher demand for interior designers specializing in environmental design is expected as more homes and business are being redesigned for energy efficiency. The BLS also reported that in May 2008, the median annual salary for interior designers was $44,950, with those in architectural, engineering, and specialized design services earning the highest amounts.
