Do you have a passion for design and impeccable people skills? A career in interior design may be the perfect fit for you. Due to their flexible nature, online interior design programs are an increasingly popular option for students looking to enter the field. Online interior design degrees are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. These programs teach aesthetic and technical skills, and students pursuing an interior design degree online can expect to learn about design theory as well as common financial and administrative issues that interior designers encounter.Online interior design programs introduce students to a dynamic workplace. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment of interior designers will increase 4% from 2014 to 2024 due to heightened demand for structures that are eco-friendly and easily accessible. Designers are needed to reformat buildings or create new ones that meet these new standards.Aspiring professionals in this field will need a range of skills in order to be successful. Artistic ability is a must; designers need to be creative and imaginative as they create plans and select materials. Interpersonal skills are also imperative. Designers must work cooperatively with their peers and clients, which necessitates excellent communication and problem-solving skills. If this sounds like you, read on to learn more about the particulars of pursuing an an interior design degree online.
Meet Our Expert: Janet Ramin
Interior Designer
Online Interior Design Degree Overview
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | $19,606 | 22.6% | 2 years | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| Bachelor's | $24,617 | 11.88% | 3+ years | $41,905 | $57,000 | 3.7% |
| Master's | $31,155 | 7.92% | 2 years | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
An online bachelor's in interior design opens the door to most careers in the field, and many professional organizations (such as the National Council for Interior Design Qualification) require that candidates seeking licensure earn at least a bachelor's degree. Although a bachelor's in interior design online is the entry-level requirement, you can enjoy higher earnings and promotions to senior positions if you have a graduate degree.
Online Interior Design Degrees
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Online Interior Design Choose Your Career
| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer | $48,840 | 4% | 58900 |
| Art Director | $89,760 | 2% | 74600 |
| Interior Architect | $76,100 | 7% | Not reported |
Online Interior Design Degree in Action
Meet Our Expert: Janet Ramin
Interior DesignerJanet Ramin has been a residential designer for many years. Starting out in San Francisco where she graduated from the Academy of Art with a degree in interior design, she began her career working on commercial mixed-use projects in the Bay area. Before long, she switched her focus to specialize in residences. She currently lives in New York, where she serves as an interior design student advisor for the New York Institute of Art and Design and helps clients realize their dream homes.
Online Interior Design Professional Requirements
National Council for Interior Design Qualification
The NCIDQ Exam must be passed for interior design professionals to be licensed in both the US and Canada. No design history is tested — the exam only covers skills and information that protect life safety, welfare, and public health. Two multiple choice sections and a drawing practicum are administered. Topics covered include construction standards, contract administration, codes, building systems, professional practice, project coordination, and design application. The drawing practicum provides exercises that cover space planning, lighting design, life safety, and other concepts that you'll need to provide design solutions for. The multiple choice portions take a half-day each, and the practicum takes a full day to complete. The exam is practice-based, meaning practical, diverse experience in the field will inform your answers. You must pass the entirety of the exam within a 5-year window; if you don't pass any sections, you'll be required to retake them.