Online Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design

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. 

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 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 Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. Accreditation is a quality assurance measure that indicates a college meets established standards of 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, nonresidential interiors and business practices in interior design. Classes 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, health care 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 such as 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 fashioned for both functionality and aesthetics, interior designers adjust features such as 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 furniture manufacturers.

  Employment of interior designers is expected to increase 19 percent between 2010 and 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Their annual salaries ranged from $28,874 to $56,924 as of June 2012, according to PayScale.com.

• Commercial Interior Designer: These interior designers create layouts and floor plans for commercial buildings and business spaces like offices, lobbies, stores and restaurants. They apply design solutions to 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 such as the flow of traffic, customer comfort, business equipment and ergonomics. This type of interior designer works closely with building owners, architects, contractors, construction managers, material suppliers, electricians and inspectors.

  Employment of interior designers is expected to increase 19 percent between 2010 and 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Their median salary was $46,280 in 2010. 

• Environmental Designer: Environmental designers create 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 account factors such as air filtration, plumbing options, eco-smart lighting, chemical-free furniture and energy-efficient construction materials.

  Employment of interior designers is expected to increase 19 percent between 2010 and 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Their median salary was $46,280 in 2010.