Education and Training

Earning an interior design degree requires taking a number of different courses within the fields of art and design. Common courses needed to earn an interior design degree include drawing, computer aided design (CAD), perspective, color and fabrics, spatial planning, architecture, furniture design, ethics, ergonomics, and psychology.

In addition to completing an interior design degree, twenty-four states require earning licensure in order to gain employment as an interior designer.

Employment Opportunities

After earning an interior design degree, you can pursue a career in the field. You may, however, choose to specialize in one of the following areas:

• Function
• Safety
• Aesthetics

Depending upon your area of specialty, the method by which you approach your interior design project will be slightly different. Nonetheless, you will need to consider a number of different elements of design, such as lighting, textures, colors, furniture, and space.

In addition to designing the interior of homes, an interior designer may also design the inside of airport terminals, offices, shopping malls, theaters, hotels, restaurants, schools, and hospitals.

Job Outlook and Salary

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those with an interior design degree are expected to grow about as fast as the average occupation over the next several years. Competition for these positions, however, will be fierce. Therefore, those with an interior design degree will have the edge when it comes to obtaining available positions. The Bureau reports that the median annual salary for interior designers in May 2004 was $40,670.

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