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Start a Career with a Certificate or Degree in Interior Design

Start a Career with a Certificate or Degree in Interior Design

Illinois State University describes its degree program in Interior Design as preparation to create "innovative, functional, supportive and responsible interior environments that positively impact the quality of life."

An Interior Design program "develops students' skills and knowledge in color and design, drafting, space planning, building and interior systems, materials and finishes, historical interiors, building and barrier-free codes, and Auto-CAD." There is also an emphasis on "the needs of special populations and the mandates that regulate the field of interior design..."

Interior design is a multi-disciplinary profession that incorporates indoor spaces' functionality and aesthetics. Interior design explores the relationship between people and the environments that surround them. Education and training in interior design will explore a wide range of topics, including:
  • design theory
  • design application
  • historic preservation and conservation
  • sustainable design
  • aesthetics
  • functionality
  • technology
  • environmental quality

GI BIll and Yellow Ribbon Program options to Earn a Degree in Interior Design

Below is our list of GI Bill participating schools. Remember to explore your other military financial aid and veteran student financial aid opportunities.

There is also help for military spouses who need scholarships and other financial aid. Military spouses looking for portable careers should ask about MyCAA options associated with interior design degree programs.

Getting a Degree in Interior Design

Certificate Programs in Interior Design

Students can earn a certificate as a standalone program or in conjunction with an Associate or Bachelor’s degree. Students should do their due diligence and research their options when deciding on a certificate program. Not all schools are created equal!

Look for programs accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). This is a voluntarily affiliation to help ensure that students receive an education that will serve them during their time at school and in future professional growth.

To start your search for valuable information on the top VA-approved colleges and universities click here.

Jobs with a Certificate in Interior Design:

  • Floral designer- Arrange live, dried, and silk flowers and greenery to make decorative displays. Median Annual Salary: $29,000.
  • Craft Artist- Use a variety of materials and techniques to create art for sale and exhibition. Median Annual Salary: $49,000.

Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design

A Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design can take students in many occupational directions including:
  • Interior Designer
  • Landscape Architect
  • Set Designer
  • Art Director
  • Real Estate
  • Marketing
Upon graduation, students can choose to enter the workforce and/or pursue further education by earning a graduate degree.

Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design:

  • Interior Designer- Make indoor spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting essential and decorative items. Median Annual Salary: $57,000.
  • Landscape Architect- Design parks and other outdoor spaces. Median Annual Salary: $70,000.
  • Art Director- Responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions. Median Annual Salary: $97,000.

Master's Degree in Interior Design

Using your GI Bill to earn a Master’s Degree in Interior Design is a good choice for a long-term career. A graduate degree is also a great choice for those wishing to branch out into careers in teaching, research, and writing.

In comprehensive graduate programs, students will look to the past to gain a more profound knowledge of the history of interior design. A comprehensive graduate program will also look to the future and address the many aspects of interior design that are of current significance including those with cultural, social, and political implications. Current topics of import include sustainability, environmental indoor quality, and conspicuous consumption.

Jobs with a Master’s Degree in Interior Design:

Earn an Interior Design Degree with the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program

A true interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences program, a Degree in Interior Design allows students to foster both their creative side and their scientific inclinations. From color schemes to sustainability initiatives to entrepreneurship, a Degree in Interior Design complements a variety of career and educational goals.

Ready to start your Degree in Interior Design? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:

The New School (New York, NY)

Their campus is in New York, NY, but they also offer many online options. The New School offers Associates, Bachelors and Masters in Interior Design.

Concordia University Wisconsin

Offers a Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture and Design. Concordia U-WI has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams. Concordia U-WI is a MyCAA approved school, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and Concordia U-WI is a Yellow Ribbon school.

Oklahoma State University

Offers a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design: Design, Housing, and Merchandising and a Master of Science in Interior Design: Design, Housing, and Merchandising. OSU has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. Oklahoma State University is a Yellow Ribbon school that awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams, and Oklahoma State University is a MyCAA-approved school.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Offers a Bachelor’s in Residential Environments and Design. Virginia Tech is a GI Bill approved school, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams. Virginia Tech is a Yellow Ribbon school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.