We are going to continue the series about How to Become an Interior Designer, by discussing online degrees.
I have known a couple of people who have taken these courses. From what I have seen, I do not consider these to be any sort of foundation for Interior Design, unless you are taking the courses from an actual University. Even then, unless they are meeting occasionally, I find it hard to believe that you are getting all of the studio hours you need in.
My theory is that a lot of Decorating over Interior Design is being taught in these programs. So, they should be described as a program for “Decorating”, not Interior Design. I will be clear, though, I do not have personal experience with online courses, other than what I have seen from friends. If I have missed some fabulous, amazing school, please let me know!
One of my outside observations came in form of an acquaintance, who asked for a little coaching. I was excited to encourage her love of Interior Design, and thought about the things that would be useful for her, when meeting a client.
So, I created a small packet of info for her that covered some of the basics of Interior Design as well as some worksheets to practice and apply what she learned. She was completely overwhelmed and could not even complete the tasks I had made for her.
I based the info packet and tasks on things you typically learn in your first Interior Design class. So, we are talking introductory, fundamentals, but tools you need when working in the field. FYI, she was well into her course.
I am not discounting all online degrees, but the quality ones are few and far between. A few years ago, when I decided to investigate where to go for a Master Degrees in Interior Design, I did an extensive search and found ONE school that provided an online program.
This school was intensive, but allowed me the flexibility to complete the program no matter where I lived with a final dissertation in person…this is important when you are a military spouse! Not only did the course offer flexibility in terms of location, the classes and professors were top notch, with weekly mandatory online courses and networking. I felt that they were there to provide a quality education over just taking their tuition (which was substantial).
So, if you want to go the online route, there are schools, but you have to do your research. Knowing what to look for is important. I have touched on this briefly and will go into a bit more detail on the final post of this series.
If you have specific questions in regards to this series, please ask away. I hope to cover all of your questions!
Are you looking for the previous posts?
Hello, I would like to do a Master Program in Interior Design.
What’s the name of the school do you recomend?
Regards
Ruth
Hi Ruth,
The only Masters program I investigated was the Academy of Art. Because we were moving frequently I needed something I could do online. It appeared to be a great program when I looked into it 10 years ago; one you had to apply for and have a portfolio of prior work. When I was looking for possibilities, I wanted to know what included coursework was, the caliber of the instructors/professors and any feedback from previous students I could find.
Some things to consider: Have you completed a Bachelor’s in Interior Design? Do you want to stay in an area or move to another location? Personally, I feel it is easier to find employment in the city you do your degree in, because you are (or should be) networking with the local professionals. Do they help you with job placement afterwards?
While I know I didn’t provide you with a list of schools, I hope that helped!
Hello;
I just started my interior design certificate with an online institute, style design college in Italy. Is a year course for a certificate. I’m impress, the first modules and assignments have a lot of technical skills. Kind of hard when you don’t have much knowledge, but interest in learning and make interior design your career. What do you think about online classes as a way to start and learn the basics, before jump into a college or university.
Thanks
As long as you investigate the online offerings and feel you will gain knowledge, it can definitely add to you education. Especially, with your end goal of finishing at at university. I do believe there are some excellent online learning options. You have to make sure to weed through the awful ones to find the best programs. Good luck!