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What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Interior Design Program?

Online master’s in interior design programs offer the same academic quality as on-campus options, providing the experienced instructors and challenging coursework needed to prepare you for a successful interior design career. Also, the flexibility of online programs makes it easier for graduate students to hold a full-time job while meeting their degree requirements. When searching for an online degree program, it’s essential to research and find the best one for your particular needs.

Available concentrations

Some master’s in interior design programs allow you to focus on a specific subject area within this field. For example, a master’s in interior design with a concentration in architecture explores how to create permanent interior architectural structures.

Common degree curriculum

Several schools offer online programs for a master’s degree in interior design, and each takes a unique approach to the required curriculum. Those pursuing a career in interior design must decide if they prefer their education in the form of a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design or a Master’s in Architecture and Interior Design. These options emphasize different focuses within interior design and offer curricula reflecting that focus.

Overall, your coursework can be affected by the type of degree you seek as well as the school you choose to attend. Despite this variation, several courses are commonly found within most programs, including:

  • Interior Design and Environmental Psychology: Gives students an understanding of how human beings react to and interact with a built environment, including the impact of cultural and social issues and demographic factors.
  • Theory of Interior Design: Explores the industry’s history and helps students become familiar with current best practices.
  • Principles of Organizational Ecology: Focuses on social organization history and ecology as influencing factors on design concepts and space construction.
  • Professional Practice in Interior Design: Teaches students the business practices used in interior design, covering topics such as accounting, ethics, and professional certification.

Certification and license preparation

Although not every state requires certification, the NCIDQ designation offered by the Council for Interior Design Qualification is considered the gold standard of competence and professionalism in the industry. Obtaining a master’s degree in interior design greatly reduces the work hours required for exam eligibility.

Program accreditation

Only apply to schools approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. If your school doesn’t have regional accreditation, you may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed. Ideally, the program you attend will also be approved by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

Program completion timeframe

Online programs for a master’s degree in interior design usually take two to three years to complete. In most programs, 60 hours of advanced course credits are required for graduation. Your courseload can impact how long it takes to earn your degree, with part-time students needing more semesters than full-time students.

For some online programs, an accelerated learning option allows you to earn a master’s in interior design in just one year. Students in accelerated programs are encouraged to focus solely on their studies, as this format is often too intense for those with a job or other commitments.

Employment Outlook for Master’s in Interior Design Graduates

Though most professionals in this field earn about $60,000 per year, there is the potential to earn a much larger salary — the top 10% of interior designers make more than $101,550.

Only a bachelor’s degree is required for most entry-level interior design jobs, but a master’s will help you reach the high end of that salary spectrum. Generally, workers with a master’s degree earn an average salary of $1,661 per week, while those with a bachelor’s earn $1,432. Over a year, that’s a difference of nearly $12,000.

The size of your salary may also depend on where you work. For example, interior designers earn an average salary of $78,480 annually in Massachusetts but only $50,790 in Montana.

Job Title Job Description Median Yearly Salary Projected Growth Rate (2022 – 2032)

Interior Designer

Interior designers enhance an interior space through architectural design and decorative elements. They maximize functionality, safety, and aesthetics while following all proper inspection regulations and building codes.

$61,590

4%

Set and Exhibit Designer

Set and exhibit designers apply their interior design background to conceptualize sets for the film, television, and theater industries. They may also aid in the design and implementation of special exhibits for museums, zoos, and aquariums.

$59,990

7%

Professional organizations

Professional organizations are a great way to learn from colleagues with more experience, see available job opportunities, complete continuing education requirements, and stay current on the latest industry news and trends. Here are a few of the most respected professional organizations for anyone with a master’s degree in interior design:

  • American Society of Interior Designers: ASID offers members access to organizational research, learning tools, industry news, and continuing education courses. The organization also hosts events throughout the year where members can network with others in the industry.
  • Interior Design Educators Council: This organization advances interior design research and education. They host several conferences and events for networking, offer multiple industry publications, and allow members to help shape educational standards.
  • International Interior Design Association: The IIDA is a networking and educational organization that holds multiple events for members, hosts a variety of relevant competitions, and offers job search tools.
  • Interior Design Society: Members of IDS receive discounts on continuing education credits. They also hold national events and conferences and run the Designer of the Year Awards.
  • Designer Society of America: The DSA is specific to residential interior designers and offers members a free portfolio to showcase work, industry publications, invitations to member events, continuing education opportunities, and members-only discounts on professionally relevant products and services.

Financing Your Online Master’s in Interior Design Degree

Students often choose an online program to take advantage of the savings compared to on-campus programs. However, many online students still need financial assistance to help cover the cost of graduate school. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should always be the first step to soliciting financial help, as this will show you which federally funded grants and loans you qualify for. If these public programs do not cover all your expenses, private loans and scholarships are another resource that can help. 

Student Finance Resources and Guides

There are so many financing options available that it can take time to figure out exactly what you should do next after submitting your FAFSA. The resources listed below will guide you to discover new financial aid opportunities and save as much money as possible.

Online Master’s Degree Scholarship Database

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Interested in a degree?

Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.