Online Art and Design Degrees in Interior Design

These online accredited bachelor's degrees and diploma programs in interior design include such topics as commercial and residential planning and design, space planning, computer-aided drafting, hospitality design, retail store design and more.

Online Interior Design Degree Programs

Professional interior design is becoming increasingly important in an age where enhancing building space is crucial for both work and relaxation. Interior design must be functional, efficient, meet building code requirements, and have aesthetic value. Interior design is more than populating a room with furniture, although this can be an aspect of the job. Interior design means meeting client specifications, having an understanding of spatial relations, conforming to architectural blueprints, choosing proper color pallets and lighting, and arranging many different components and elements to produce not only functional design, but in many cases, a pleasing aesthetic appearance.

Interior designers touch every one of our lives from the restaurants we eat at to the shopping malls and office buildings we go to. Airports, sports stadiums, discount shopping clubs; practically everything we visit has an interior designer responsible for the appearance and structure of these locales.

Interior Design Courses and Classes

Typical coursework for a bachelor's degree in interior design includes, but is not limited to office design, residential systems, design fundamentals, computer assisted design (CAD) graphics, plus art and architectural fundamentals. You can expect hands-on assignments and labs to round out your education. With increased public awareness of ergonomics and environmentally friendly spaces, it is a good idea to complement your regular courses with electives that include these topics.

Because interior design relies heavily on computer design software, education online is an ideal way to obtain your degree. Online courses cover the same traditional classroom territory you would expect at your local university or college. Online courses offer flexibility and freedom to take classes when time allows. You can go at your own pace and complete your degree according to your own schedule.

Interior Design, Career Training and Certification

Interior design is regulated in twenty-three states including the District of Columbia and interior designer must be licensed or registered. The prerequisite for taking the exam to become certified means a combination of education plus at least six years of work experience. Interior designers who obtain an associate's degree usually act as assistants to interior designers, while those who go on to receive their bachelor's degrees can qualify for formal design apprenticeship programs to fulfill state licensing requirements.

After successfully passing the exams, you are then licensed, certified, or registered as an interior designer by your state. In order to maintain your status, continuing education is required.

The Forecast for Interior Design Careers

Jobs for interior designers are expected to grow 19 percent from 2008 to 2016 and there will be strong competition for these positions. Median annual income for those who have worked in the industry for one to four years is approximately $35,197, while those who worked as interior designers averaged about $50,190 per year.

Pursue your Interior Design degree today.