Is an Online Interior Design Degree Right for You?
by Wendy Croixwendy.croix@interiordesignschoolreview.com
Interior Design School Review Columnist
An online degree program can give you an interior design education, if you can't fit on-campus study into your work-and-family life. However, you'll need some savvy to turn online study into a career.
Comparison Shop for Online Interior Design Degrees
All interior design degree programs aren't equal, so get as much information as you can before you invest in an online education. Ask whether you can study at your own pace, what the average time to completion is, and how much you'll spend to complete your online degree. Learn more about The Art Institute Online's Bachelor Degree program in Interior Design.
Ask, too, whether the online degree program is affiliated with a residential campus or design institute. Most important, ask for a list of courses and compare your online program to those of traditional universities and technical schools in your area.
Interior Design Field Experience
Interior design is a hands-on profession. Traditional programs require field experience, often 250-300 hours of it, before granting an interior design degree. Some online interior design degree programs also emphasize the need for fieldwork. If yours doesn't, you'll have to find a way to get the necessary internship, even if you have to create one for yourself.Competing with the Traditionalists
You have your online B.A. in interior design in hand. Will you be able to compete for jobs with your brothers and sisters who've taken the on-campus route into the profession? Yes, if you make some smart choices for yourself along the way. To get the most from your online education, supplement your degree with experience:- Become a student member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
- Attend design conferences and events
- Network informally every time you shop for design materials
- Find a mentor, if your online program doesn't provide one
About the Author
Wendy Croix, Ph.D. is a freelance writer, cultural critic and university professor. In her twenty years as a professional educator, Wendy has guided hundreds of students toward the careers of their dreams.
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