Are you ready to turn your passion for aesthetics into profit?
Then it may be time to earn your interior design degree online.
The creative industry is hotter than ever and right now is the perfect time to become qualified.
But wait...
College just isn't for everyone. What if you're already working? What about school commitments or families? And some people learn better at their own pace.
Online education is the answer.
By earning your interior design degree online, you open the door to new career opportunities. You gain all the skills you need to grow your business without sacrificing your current lifestyle.
Let's dig into why now is the perfect time...
Table of Time
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Why Interior Design Is An Expanding Career
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Benefits of Earning Your Degree Online
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Course Topics You'll Study
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Skills You'll Learn
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How To Choose The Best Program
Why Interior Design Is An Expanding Career
Interior design is a booming industry.
Expectations from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show a 3% growth for employment between 2024 and 2034. When you break that down, that's about 7,800 new job openings every year.
And there's more...
Client demand for design services skyrocketed after the pandemic. People are spending more time in their homes than ever before. Working remotely has taught everyone to evaluate how their spaces function.
Salaries are growing too.
The median annual salary reached $63,490 in 2024. The top 10% of designers make over $101,000 a year. Certain specialties can even push you well above six figures.
All excellent reasons to get started now.
But it also means more competition. Students who take the time to earn their degree are more likely to catch the eyes of potential employers.
Benefits of Earning Your Degree Online
Online learning is revolutionizing higher education.
Especially for artistic degree programs. Check out why more students are taking courses online...
Flexible scheduling. Attend classes at 5 am or midnight if you want. When you have the time to learn, you never have to stop what you're doing to go to school.
Programs are everywhere. Living in a rural area? Big city? No matter where you call home, you can find an online school that fits your needs. You can even remain living at home if you want.
Cost-effective. Online degrees are cheaper than traditional alternatives. There's no gas money or campus fees. Over time, online programs can save you a lot of money.
Learn industry standard software. Online schools use the same programs that professionals use every day. You'll learn real-world applications you can use to find work.
Oh, and here's a secret most schools don't advertise...
Students who learn online typically develop a stronger work ethic. Self-discipline and time management are pluses that employers love.
Course Topics You'll Study
Interior designers don't just pick colours and fill space with furniture.
When you enroll in a quality program, you'll learn how professional designers think.
Courses teach you...
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Design concepts. How to create balance, make pleasing proportions, and keep your eyes flowing through space.
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Spatial awareness. How to best arrange furniture and features to fit your project needs.
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Software skills. The programs used to layout designs, create blueprints, and present to clients.
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Material knowledge. Fabrics. Finishes. Fabrics. You'll discover what works and what doesn't for interior spaces.
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Safety Codes. International building guidelines dictate how professionals design spaces. You need to know them too.
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Colour coordination. How to use hues to your advantage when creating an atmosphere.
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Environmental design. Did you know interior designers have to be trained in sustainable practices? They do.
Want to become a successful designer?
These programs also show you how to deal with clients, presentation skills, and even how to run your own business.
Skills You'll Learn
But I'm getting ahead of myself...
Education is vital, but you're also learning a toolbox of skills you didn't know you needed.
Here are some of the qualities that top designers possess:
Problem Solvers. Spatial complications are a common problem for interior designers. From room shape to budget restrictions and difficult clients. Figure out how to work with you don't and you'll succeed.
Effective communicators. You have big ideas. So will your clients. Whether it's conveying your vision or listening to theirs, communication never goes out of style.
Pay attention to detail. Measuring your space wrong by half an inch ruins your entire design. Successful designers know how to manage the small things.
Roll with the punches. Buildings age. Client needs change. You can run out of your favourite material tomorrow. Being able to think on your feet has always been important.
Run businesses like a boss. Designers often work freelance or open their own studios. Know how to price your work, write a contract and marketing will set you above the rest.
Luckily...
As with most things on this list. You can learn these skills. A great education will help you understand and apply these principles.
How To Choose The Right Program
Just because you can learn online doesn't mean all schools are the same.
When researching your options, keep an eye out for these traits:
Accreditation is important. Does your chosen school offer accreditation through trusted organizations? Will it help you become licensed? Think about how your decision affects your career down the line.
Curriculum analysis. Technical skills are great. But do they teach business practices? Can you learn how to manage your own freelance operation? Courses should cover all areas of your future career.
Faculty credentials. What's the experience level of your professors? Are they active in the industry? You can learn a lot from teachers who are in the field.
Student resources. Career support, portfolio reviews, finding a mentor; these are things that set quality programs apart from their competition. You want access to services that will help you land a job.
Pace of school. Realistically look at your schedule. Some schools offer live sessions while others are completely self-paced. Make sure you know how each school works before applying.
Software restrictions. You may need to purchase specific software or hardware to take classes. Be aware of any tech requirements your school may have.
And don't forget to...
Reach out to alumni. Find former students on LinkedIn and ask them about their experiences with the school. Did it help them further their careers? Would they recommend it to someone else? Information you can find nowhere else.
Closing Thoughts
Right now is the best time to earn your interior design degree online.
You can gain professional experience without quitting your day job. Learn from expert teachers who are working in the industry from anywhere in the world. And take your first steps towards a career you're passionate about.
The industry is growing. Salaries are increasing. And clients are craving your services.
Let's review:
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Design is an expanding industry that shows job growth through 2034.
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Online courses allow you to learn at home at a pace you set.
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Compared to traditional courses, online degrees are cheaper and offer more flexibility.
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Successful designers understand both the technical and business sides of their work.
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When searching for a school, ensure they are accredited and learn about their faculty.
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Soft skills can be developed with time and education. Look for a program that encourages growth in these areas.
Now you know what it takes to become a professional interior designer.
Are you ready to start learning?