Interior Design Schools

Degree Overview: Interior Design

The creation of a living or working space takes more than just color, light and materials; that's why interior design degree programs are so important. Let's take a look at what kinds of things student may learn by completing these degree programs.

Online Interior Design Courses

Undergraduate interior design studies are likely to guide you through the entry-level fundamentals, such as color theory, CAD (computer-aided drawing) software, building systems, safety codes, textiles, lighting, construction, marketing and both residential and commercial design. Though these courses are common for both associate and bachelor's degree programs, you may find that a bachelor's program can include additional courses on the topics of sustainability, barrier-free design, the psychology of design, and much more. Some programs may even offer specializations in the design of certain interiors, including office spaces, kitchens or bathrooms.

Master's degree programs in interior design can help graduate students to examine topics and skills from their undergraduate program in more depth. For example, while a bachelor's student might study lighting as a design element, a master's student might learn about the physiological or psychological impact that light can have on the people working or living in a space. Graduate programs may offer in-depth courses in architectural studies, research methods, contemporary issues, environmental psychology, emerging materials, and the history of design from various perspectives. Often, these programs help students integrate their skills into professional practice through hands-on experience in field work or internships.

Finally, Ph.D. programs in Interior Design often aim to prepare graduates for high-level consultation, academic, or leadership positions through flexible coursework that helps them meet their individual professional goals. These programs may include courses on big-impact topics, like housing and neighborhood design, facility management, and accessibility, in the hope of equipping graduates with research skills they can use to make key contributions in their field.

Career-Related Skills to Develop

During their degree programs, interior design students should focus on developing the technical, creative and interpersonal skills necessary to design aesthetically-pleasing spaces that meet safety, accessibility and sustainability requirements. These skills include, but are not limited to the following:

• Design skills: Design skills aren't just about proportion, color, textiles, furnishings and lighting, although that is certainly part of it. Being able to design also includes being able to draft and render your design idea, as well as having knowledge of materials, building and safety codes, and sustainable practices.
• Problem Solving: Is a desired material out of stock? Are colors that looked complementary in the catalog not matching up as anticipated? Does building code require a redesign of the anticipated floorplan? These problems and more can arise to plague the interior designer, who must be able to decide upon quick, effective solutions so the designing can continue.
• Materials Knowledge: Select products and materials that are aesthetically appropriate for design solutions while also meeting standards of use, maintenance, sustainability and compliance.
• Building Systems: Produce solutions that correlate with building, environmental and property management systems, while also adhering to standards of use, maintenance and sustainability.
• Professionalism: It is vital for interior designers to maintain a standard of professionalism that meets the needs of clients and protects public health, safety and welfare in an ethical and legal manner. As many interior designers are self-employed, that professionalism can be the difference between struggling to bring in more business versus growing a loyal customer base.

Interior Designer Career Outlook