Interior Design Programs

How to Get an Interior Design Degree: Your Complete Career Guide

Thinking about turning your passion for design into a career? Interior design offers a compelling blend of creativity and technical expertise, with promising career prospects. The field is growing steadily, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 5% employment growth through 2032 and reporting a median annual salary of $60,340.

What Degree Options Are Available in Interior Design?

Your educational journey in interior design can take several paths, each offering unique advantages for your career goals.

Associate’s Degree: Quick Entry to the Field

  • Duration: 2 years
  • Best for: Entry-level positions and assistant roles
  • What you’ll learn: Design fundamentals, color theory, basic space planning
  • Career outlook: Ideal stepping stone for further education or assistant positions

Bachelor’s Degree: The Industry Standard

  • Duration: 4 years
  • Why choose it: Required for professional certification (NCIDQ)
  • Core focus: Comprehensive design theory and practical applications
  • Key topics: Advanced space planning, sustainable design, building codes
  • Career impact: Opens doors to full professional practice

Master’s Degree: Advanced Expertise

  • Duration: 2-3 years
  • Perfect for: Leadership roles or academic careers
  • Advanced study: Research methods, specialized design theory
  • Career benefits: Higher-level positions and teaching opportunities

Where Can You Study? Top Accredited Programs

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

  • Location: Savannah, GA
  • Programs: BFA, MA, and MFA degrees
  • Unique feature: Both campus and online options
  • Annual tuition: $38,475 (2023-24)
  • Explore SCAD’s program

Parsons School of Design

  • Location: New York City
  • Program highlight: Strong industry connections
  • Degree offered: BFA in Interior Design
  • Annual tuition: $52,250 (2023-24)
  • Learn more about Parsons

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

  • Location: Providence, RI
  • Programs: BFA and MDes
  • Specialization: Adaptive reuse and renovation
  • Annual tuition: $55,220 (2023-24)
  • Discover RISD’s program

What Certifications Will You Need?

NCIDQ Certification: The Gold Standard

To become certified, you’ll need:

  • A bachelor’s degree in interior design
  • 3,520 hours of qualified work experience
  • Successful completion of the three-part NCIDQ exam

State Requirements

Requirements vary by location. Check the American Society of Interior Designers for specific state guidelines:

  • Some states require licensing
  • Others offer voluntary certification
  • Several states have no formal requirements

Essential Skills for Success

Technical Expertise

  • AutoCAD
  • SketchUp
  • Revit
  • 3D modeling software

Creative Abilities

  • Color theory mastery
  • Space planning
  • Material selection
  • Design visualization

Business Acumen

  • Project management
  • Client communication
  • Budget planning
  • Contract administration

Career Opportunities and Growth

Where Can You Work?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, top employers include:

  • Specialized design firms
  • Architectural and engineering companies
  • Furniture retailers
  • Construction businesses

Design Specializations

  • Residential spaces
  • Commercial environments
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Sustainable design
  • Hospitality venues

Professional Development

Key Organizations for Networking

Continuing Education

Stay current through:

  • Industry conferences
  • Continuing education units (CEUs)
  • Sustainability certification
  • Design trend monitoring

Investment in Your Education

Program Costs

  • Associate’s degree: $6,000-$30,000 total
  • Bachelor’s degree: $28,000-$60,000 yearly
  • Master’s degree: $30,000-$120,000 total

Additional Expenses

  • Design software subscriptions
  • Art and design materials
  • Professional portfolio development
  • Certification examination fees

Ready to Start Your Journey?

A career in interior design offers creative fulfillment and professional growth opportunities. While the educational investment is significant, the rewards of transforming spaces and improving people’s lives make it worthwhile. Keep in mind that success in this field requires ongoing learning and adaptation to new technologies and design trends.

Remember to research programs thoroughly, consider your career goals, and choose the educational path that best aligns with your aspirations in the design world.