Floral Design Degrees Online

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Art & Design

Online Floral Design Degree Programs

Many florists learn their skills and abilities through on the job training, but you can also take specialized courses offered by online colleges, vocational learning centers, universities, and community colleges to enhance your knowledge in this field. Associate's and bachelor's degree programs are offered for floral design, plus related degrees in ornamental horticulture, floriculture, or horticulture. Coursework in these areas includes botany, soil management, hydrology, chemistry, microbiology, and pesticides. (cont)

If you want to be on the fast track to learn about floral design, you may want to look into training programs. Generally speaking, you need at least a high school diploma to qualify for entrance into these programs. These training courses typically last from a few weeks up to one year. You can learn about different types of flowers, cutting and taping techniques, proper handling and care of flowers, floral trends, and pricing. Floral designers who already run or want to open their own businesses can take additional coursework in management, accounting, marketing, computer technology, and general business procedures.

Floral Design Certification

The American Institute of Floral Designers offers florist accreditation examinations. After passing the exam, florists are recognized for their professional standing as floral designers. The test consists of a written examination on floral terminology and a four-hour on-site assessment. Candidates complete five floral designs in wedding arrangements, table arrangements, funeral tributes, wearable flowers, and an arrangement category of their choice. Those who obtain accreditation from the American Institute of Floral Designers find it useful to indicate this accomplishment on their resumes.

Do You Have What It Takes To Be a Floral Designer?

A love of flowers and floral arranging is only the tip of the iceberg. Floral designers must have creativity, be service-oriented, and have strong verbal and visual communication skills. Because floral design trends frequently change from season to season, floral designers need to be open to new ideas and adapt quickly to current styles and trends.

Pressure to meet deadlines, obtain enough stock to fill orders, and make sure requests are filled out correctly comes with the job. Clients who want floral arrangements for special occasions, weddings, or anniversaries need their orders on time and delivered in a timely manner. Becoming a florist presents unique customer service challenges and requires good people skills.

Floral Design Careers

Working as a floral designer allows you to exercise your creative side with a unique medium. Graduates of floral design programs usually go on to work in markets or florist shops. Approximately one-third of all working florists are self-employed. Highly skilled floral designers can work for hotels or interior designers, creating lavish centerpieces for parties and private residences.

The job outlook for floral designers is expected to be good because personnel will be needed to replace florists who leave the workforce. Some people abandon the profession due to low initial income and lack of advancement opportunities. The median salary for floral designers is $23,450.