The interior design industry is a complex and competitive industry which includes careers in residential, business and environmental design. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 57,000 interior designers employed in the United States in 2018, making an average annual salary of $59,120. The BLS reports that interior designers are expected to have a bachelor’s degree for entry-level jobs, although some employers will accept associate degrees or specific interior design certification.

Interior designers are responsible for designing attractive and functional spaces inside a home or building. They must work within specific guidelines to determine what types of items, lighting and color schemes suit a given space. The role of a typical interior designer may include such tasks as:

Interior design schools introduce students to the fundamentals of design, architecture and color coordination so they can design and develop functional and attractive spaces. Many of today’s successful interior designers work with advanced software programs and CAD to create working designs and blueprints for their designs. Most interior design schools train students in the latest technologies and software programs so that graduates are ready for employment immediately upon graduation.

An interior design school or program will allow students to enhance their creative skills while learning strategies to become an established professional in this field. To ensure that students enroll in a quality program, we have analyzed every on-campus and online interior design school and program in the country based on our methodology and compiled a ranked list of the best options for students. Learn more about the best interior design schools and programs below.

According to the American Society of Interior Designers, at the minimum, most states require an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in interior design. The ASID states that 26 states currently have licensing requirements before job seekers are allowed to call themselves an interior designer. Many of these states require interior designers pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification exam before becoming listed as an interior designer. The ASID recommends that students complete at minimum, a four-year program of study in interior design before entering the field.

According to the American Academy of Interior Designers, one of the best educational career moves an interior design school student can make is to complete an apprenticeship or internship before applying for a full-time career. The AAID states that employers look for students who have completed an accredited program and have a strong portfolio of past projects. Even though schools may offer studio or portfolio development courses, hands-on training with a design firm or other design professionals is usually an invaluable asset to the student. Here are some essentials for any interior design school student:

Employment of interior designers is expected to grow 4.5% percent through 2026.

The American Society of Interior Designers projected that total industry sales would generate more than $10 billion in 2019. The BLS shows the highest concentration of interior designers are employed at specialized design firms, in small businesses serving a variety of clients or for specific industry segments, including architectural firms, engineering companies and other service industries.

Additional certifications are available for interior designers. To be certified, students must pass a test given by the National Council for Interior Design. Creative workshops can be a valuable addition to any interior design educational track as they give students a chance to exhibit designs and develop a strong design portfolio.

Interior designers work on enhancing the quality, function and aesthetics of a residential or commercial space. Designers often specialize in a specific area of design, such as the specializations listed below:

Students who have successfully completed an associate degree, bachelor’s degree or advanced degree at an interior design school can explore apprenticeships for hands-on training, or enter the workforce as an interior designer or assistant interior designer.

Those who already have some work experience and an advanced degree may consider teaching positions at an educational institution or leadership positions at a design company. Continuing education courses in a particular field and specialization related to interior design, such as textile design, graphic design and furniture design, can help professionals stay competitive and advance in their careers.

Interior Designer: Discuss wants and needs of clients, including budget. Prepare and present design ideas to clients. Research and locate specific materials, including furnishings, paint, tile and more for a project. Keep abreast of project and update client. Ensure finished product is acceptable to client.

Commercial and Industrial Designers: Consult with clients and conduct research to develop and design industrial spaces and workspaces to fully optimize space. Consider and work with space limitations and challenges. Research and suggest building materials and analyze costs. Prepare and present designs to client in a way that can be understood.

Know that this program is very demanding! Effective time management will be your best advocate for success. When choosing a program, look at the size of the classes because your professors will be your greatest resource. Architecture is becoming more relevant to the interior design industry; we aren’t just simply decorators. Research how prominent architecture is incorporated into the program because even a basic education in that capacity will make you a better candidate when entering the professional field.

Melissa Coufal, Interior Design student at SDSU