What Will I Learn in an Interior Design Degree Program?

Interior designers make a space look attractive and meet a specific purpose, using color, texture, lighting, furniture and decor. In an interior design degree program, students will learn how to make the most of these elements and create beautiful, functional spaces in homes, businesses and public spaces. Students will take courses in art history, drafting, illustration, building codes, design preparation, space planning, computer aided design, lighting, restoration, furniture, and residential and commercial design. Students in these programs will learn how to plan designs, work with clients, draft blueprints and choose decor to organize a space in a cohesive manner.

AS in Graphic Design	AS in Graphic Design	BA in Graphic Design

What Can I Do With an Interior Design Degree?

As an interior design graduate, you'll have a range of employment options available to you. Some interior design students go on to work at large corporations and design firms, while others start their own companies and find clients independently. Some will work on homes or businesses more generally, while others will focus on a specific room such as kitchens, baths or office spaces. Other graduates will work in furniture, building supply and specialty stores, assisting customers in designing and laying out their space and the objects within it.

What Is the Career Outlook for Interior Design Degree Students?

Employment opportunities for interior designers are estimated to climb at a faster than average rate over the next decade. This is due largely to an increased awareness of interior design and the benefits it can offer to homeowners and businesses. Graduates with training in areas such as ergonomics and sustainability and who are licensed (in states that require it) will have the easiest time finding jobs. The salary range for designers is very broad, with entry level positions paying $27,000 to $34,000 a year and those at the top about $82,000. A few fortunate designers might land TV shows, endorsements and their own product lines, netting them much more income.