Interior Design Bachelors Degree Online
Is an Interior Design Degree for You?
The artistically inclined who take notice and care of their surroundings choose to major in interior design. Students in the discipline study the different aspects of indoor environments, including color, light, space and form, and put it all together to create something that's aesthetically pleasing and pleasant to be around. They become familiar with space planning, perspective, three-dimensional design and color theory. They learn how to use software to design floor plans and other aspects of the interior of different kinds of buildings, and develop their own drawing skills for the preparation process. Depending on the student's preference, they can major in commercial or residential design. Either way, they get to utilize their creativity in a constructive manner.
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 most used in the profession. If a student prefers 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 to do the necessary research to determine whether or not a school is right for you. That entails checking the accreditation status of your prospective college, 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. You 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 and interior design, visual presentation, CAD for interior design, interior material and components, residential interiors, non-residential interiors, and business practices in interior design. Your courses may differ depending on whether you are specializing in commercial or residential design. Additionally, students are required to complete core courses such as English composition, pre-calculus, economics and 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 business.
Common Career Paths
Interior design graduates can pursue a variety of career paths, including in showrooms, retail store planning, office design, historic preservation, healthcare facilities and hospitality. More specifically, they can become commercial designers, specialty designers, residential interior designers, textile and wall covering designers and model home designers. They may work for companies ranging from manufacturers to commercial design, architectural and interior architectural firms. Entry level positions can be found in retail environments or small design studios, and as you gain more experience, you can assume a management role. The typical duties of an interior designer include interacting with clients to determine their preferences, expectations and budget; determining costs; and composing and presenting designs to clients.
Starting Salary: $30,992
Mid-Career Salary: $58,051
Learn More About a Career in Interior Design
