Online bachelor's degree progams in interior design

If you dream of using other people's money to design inviting home and work environments, a career in interior design can fit the bill. From sumptuous furniture to attractive accessories, interior design pros improve the look and feel of any room.

Students pursuing interior design degrees need imagination creativity and persistence to enter the field: competition is keen for top jobs. While in interior design school, students need to build a solid portfolio of work to stand out in a crowded job market. If you need to study around a busy work or family schedule, consider online bachelor's degree programs in interior design.

What to expect from an interior design degree program

A bachelor's degree program in interior design teaches you to focus on room layout, furniture placement and fabric selection. Depending on the specialty you choose, you might take interesting courses in:

• CAD drawing
• Spatial planning
• Color and fabrics
• Furniture design
• Architecture
• Ergonomics
• Ethics
• Psychology

While interior design degrees don't guarantee great salaries, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows healthy wages for interior designers with job descriptions as varied as your imagination. Get a glimpse below:

• Architectural, engineering and related services applies to those who work with architects and engineers to deliver compelling designs for their clients. May 2009 average salary: $56,060.

• Specialized design services include designers who focus on designing general residential or commercial spaces or who specialize in kitchen and bath design or closet or lighting design. May 2009 average salary: $52,400.

• Furniture store designers need a solid understanding of textiles, fabrics, ornamentation and trends. These designers help customers select styles, color schemes and accessories, but typically work exclusively in the store instead of visiting clients' spaces. May 2009 average salary: $48,510.

• Building materials and supplies dealers. Interior designers in this specialty work in building supply and retail stores, assisting customers and placing orders with vendors. May 2009 average salary: $45,930.

Due to the large number of talented individuals attracted to the field, those who pursue interior design degrees can expect significant competition for jobs and clients. Designers who specialize in green and energy efficient design--particularly those who possess Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification--will have an edge in the field's future.

Research those interior design degrees

If you have passion, talent and perseverance, don't let the competition stop you. Instead, do your research. Better still take advantage of the research WorldWideLearn has already done and check out our Guide to College Majors.

You can also browse below and compare online bachelor's degree programs in interior design. When you see a program that interests you, simply fill out a form and an admissions representative from that school will contact you.

If you wait for a fashionable future in interior design to find you, time could pass by faster than you think. Seize the day and pursue higher education now to ensure better opportunities tomorrow.

• Online Bachelor Programs