Online Interior Design/Decoration Courses - Worth it?

I am an aspiring Interior Designer/Decorator. Most job openings I see on Monster/Careerbuilder/Yahoo! Hot Jobs/Etc. are for Interior Architects, but the ones I do find for Design/Decorator usually require lots of education and experience.

The 'type' of Design/Decor I'm looking to do is Residential. I've also opened up to retail (such as department stores/furniture stores/etc.). Other than that, I'm not sure I could get into any of it. Especially considering my limitations... I can only do an online course. I must work full time to support my debts and my fiance and myself. Plus, I cannot afford the 'good' schools. Not on top of my current existing tuition payment of 220/mo, at least.

So I've been looking at online Design courses. Sheffield (www.sheffield.edu/htmlsrc/interior-design-course.html), being the first I'd found. And Lifestyle Learning Direct (www.lifestylelearningdirect.com/course/interior_design_decoration), being the second. I am torn between the two. I want the most bang for my buck. The most in-depth online course I can get for under $2000. I know, it's asking a lot... Also, I'd like to know if doing one of these online courses is going to get my the certificate needed to be able to practice as an Interior Designer/Decorator and maybe even in the future as a Consultant.

I make about $1300/mo right now, and that's barely getting us by (in addition to fiance's income). Where I live, that income is a little above average for my age, but I also have a lot more bills than most people my age. Mistakes have been made. I don't want to make any more. :(

Any help/insight is MUCH appreciated. Thank you all!

for what it's worth i too have a talent for decorating so i looked into on line courses my budget would not allow me to attend a good design school i researched various on line schools and courses. After much research I decided on penn foster it took alittle longer than anticapated but got through it. have a full time job as a resturant manager nite shift. So it worked very well with my schedule. I received my certificate in july if i were you i would look into it it might be exactly what your looking for. All though there were times i wish i had an instructor right by my side i could call or e mail an instructor when ever i hit a bump, and yes they were GREAT with getting back with me in a timely fashion. check it out penn foster.com good luck

residential design is currently a dead industry. i am a designer with a bachelors degree and seven years experience, and can NOT find a job. i have been laid off from my last two jobs, and the market is just getting worse. until the economy turns around, i would not waste any money in a design degree.

mo in Augusta, Georgia said: residential design is currently a dead industry. i am a designer with a bachelors degree and seven years experience, and can NOT find a job. i have been laid off from my last two jobs, and the market is just getting worse. until the economy turns around, i would not waste any money in a design degree.

I think you hit it on the nose but I am not giving up, I am just getting ready to finish an A.S. Degree which I think is all I am going to do but I am going to keep trying. Hopefully the economy will change and I think the Design Industry is going to get a big boost in the future, (I hope)! Who are all these people on HGTV, some are not even qualified I don't think.

I need help! I've been graduated for four years now and I have not been able to find a job! I have a bachelors degree from an International Design school. I live in Western Mass and there are not even any jobs posted in my area. I don't know what to do and need some direction. Interior Design is my passion and I'm afraid that I might have to give it up and go back to school for something else. Anyone have any words of wisdom?

drive down the coast to NY,
like London at the moment about your best chance, or middle east!

I know exactly what you're going through Nicole. In October I was laid off from my interior design job at one of the largest firms in my state. It is really tough out there right now for the design community. Jobs are scarce and competition is fierce. I wish I had some advice for you or myself for that matter! :) All I can offer is my sympathy.

When I was first laid off, I decided to just find any old job to pay the bills and gave up on design completely. I was absolutely miserable in that job and lasted about 3 months. Now, I am doing everything that I can to find anything that is design-related (furniture stores, freelance CAD work, internships just to keep my hand in design) and have started my own design business. It is tough to have your passion derailed by a horrible economy but if it is something you love, don't give up on it.

Hi,
I am living in Norway and would like to get an online degree in Interior desing. I was trying to find some ratings for the schools which have this kind of education. There is so many of them worldwide and it's so hard to find the top ones.
Appreciate any help!
Barbara

It is really tough right now!!!!!! I have been in the industry for 20 years and even had my own business for 5 years. (Of course, I started it only because the company I was working for went out of business). I applied for every job in the industry for 5 years but was not able to find one so I just kept going with my design business. Don't make the same mistake I did and skimp on your education because you don't have money. The money I lost being underemployed/unemployed exceeds the most prestigious design school in the world! If you are serious and gifted- GO FOR IT and don't be cheap or lazy. If not, go into a field where the demand is higher (almost any field) because this is not for the faint at heart. My aptitude tests placed me in the top 3% in the US for artistic/spacial ability. In addition, I have always been able to get A's in art/design and almost every class I took. Why do I not have a great job? Because I quit the Bachelor of Art program in order to take a job and make money. Years later, I went to the cheapest school on the planet and got a Certificate in I.D. BIG MISTAKE! I did not invest enough in my education and now that times are tough, employers only want to invest in people who have Bachelor's degrees from a well-known FIDER/CIDA accredited program because there are more than enough candidates looking for work who have these top credentials. Now I may have to go work at Starbucks while I go back to school at the age of 40. Please do yourself a favor and GET A REAL DEGREE! Ever heard of Student Loans? Take them before they don't exist anymore....

I graduated from a prestigious design school and am having difficulty finding work. It is so competitive out there right now even with the right degree. I have been in the industry for a few years now and it is all about relationships. I don't know why people bother with online degrees for art. There is alot that happens at art school that is about doing work with others, relationships w teachers, feedback from the class, that is not going to happen in an online class. An when you graduate you will be competing with people who have four year degrees and no one will take you seriously.

Another issue is your location. It is tough enough in a major Northeastern city. Is there a demand for this in Idaho? What are the top firms in your area? Are they doing well? if not, Don't expect to do better on your own. If you want to do this I would suggest either going to the best 4 year school and get loans to live on campus. that way you won't have to worry about living expenses and can pay it back. Or you should take any job maybe as an assistant or secretary and learn more about your field and make connections which will provide insight.

What about other Design fields? Something like web design you can learn and do from anywhere and is in demand. Sometimes you dont have to give up your dream, just modify it alittle,

I have been going through all this posted forums.. Like everyone here, i have degree of Bachelor of science in Interior Designer and also master diploma of interior architecture from india. Now that i am in states.. I wanted to pursuit same career line so my question is do i need to take more courses here to get on the same field? soon i will be working in some of the furnitures show room to learn more about the taste and culture here. So, please do post.. if anyone comes up with expertise advice for me.. i will be very much thankful to you. thank you

My experience has been that you will not get an interview at a design firm without a design degree. However, I have decided to market my design business again full-time and yes, I agree, it can be done with great people skills, professionalism, etc. In fact I would go so far as to say it is easier to start your own design business than to get a good job right now. Its about networking, networking and who you know.

I graduated 3 years ago with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Architecture and Design and have been unable to find a job. Finally I decided that I would just like to start working independently on small projects and build a business from the ground up but I really need a mentor to provide me with some guidance and industry advise but I don't know who to turn to. Any suggestions?

If you don't already have a lot of experience in this field, I would recommend choosing another one such as graphic, web or game design. (or non-design) Seriously, there is a 10 year supply of designers right now. I know so many who have decades of experience who are out of work. The field is completely saturated. Even Frank Gehry's projects are down 50%. I don't want to be a Debbie downer but this is just the simple truth. Don't throw away good money & time into a hopeless situation. If you do have a lot of experience already and just want to improve your education/skills during this down time, Rhodec/London Metropolitan has a good online design program and is very affordable. $6,500 for BA or $2,500 for certificate and you can take anywhere from 2-8 years to complete. It is ASID & NCIDQ approved. Again, if you have other training, experience or talent, I would highly recommend changing to that field instead. Business management, accounting, IT and marketing are much more in demand. Plus, you would need these skills to run your own design business anyway.

I've recently graduated from an intior decorating program that was two years in duration. the design course that was offered at the same school was 4 years in length. both courses are VERY labor intensive. long hours of drawing, sourcing cutting and glueing as well as hours on Auto Cad. the course was great and i learned a lot, but when it came time to find a job it was very frustrating. the majority of places were looking for Designers not Decorators so unless you want to be working retail take a Design course!!

Jennifer in Los Angeles, California said: If you don't already have a lot of experience in this field, I would recommend choosing another one such as graphic, web or game design. (or non-design) Seriously, there is a 10 year supply of designers right now. I know so many who have decades of experience who are out of work. The field is completely saturated. Even Frank Gehry's projects are down 50%. I don't want to be a Debbie downer but this is just the simple truth. Don't throw away good money & time into a hopeless situation. If you do have a lot of experience already and just want to improve your education/skills during this down time, Rhodec/London Metropolitan has a good online design program and is very affordable. $6,500 for BA or $2,500 for certificate and you can take anywhere from 2-8 years to complete. It is ASID & NCIDQ approved. Again, if you have other training, experience or talent, I would highly recommend changing to that field instead. Business management, accounting, IT and marketing are much more in demand. Plus, you would need these skills to run your own design business anyway.

You are so 100% right! I am an Interior Designer/small business owner and I was forced to go back to a 9-5 position. Thank God for my prior and current business management skills!

I have wasted 4 years BS in another line which is not ment for me. Now I am a sit-at-home mother. I love Interior designing and want a carrier in this. I have saved few bucks for it. I think $5000 certificate program in college(which is just 3 months) is better than $6500 for online BA and want to go for it. I need some advice. Do you think this certificate program provided in NY universities are better? Do you think it can give me a start as internships?
Thanks in advance for your advices.

Nicole in Ludlow, Massachusetts said: I need help! I've been graduated for four years now and I have not been able to find a job! I have a bachelors degree from an International Design school. I live in Western Mass and there are not even any jobs posted in my area. I don't know what to do and need some direction. Interior Design is my passion and I'm afraid that I might have to give it up and go back to school for something else. Anyone have any words of wisdom?

hi r u still looking for the job we have a vacancy for creative designer post ... send ur resume work details certificate attested details all to my persnal email id ---tabrez10@gmail.com if u r still looking for job
we r located in oman and looking for good designers ...

I'm sure residential design is dead, as has been said. But what about *commercial* interior design. Surely, that can't be totally dead.

I would not say residential design is dead at all. Perhaps the opposite. You see, as people are not able to sell their house, because they are upside down in their payments, they would be more willing to "re-design the kitchen or bath" to make better use of their space. These types of improvements will give them a great return on their investment once they are in a position to sell. Good luck!

Hi i am interested in becoming an interior designer can anyone help me get a job even as an assistant for a start ??? please help i love interior designing.

We are working on a new business idea for Kellogg School of Management for Interior Designers that would allow them to access "jobs" on the internet.
Have a look, your feedback is appreciated: kellogg.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_4SbNuWJsSfDu9nu

I've got the Sheffield School complete course of Interior Design I no longer need. Contact me if interested. Thanks! :)

Hello! We are www.theshadedesigners.com/ team and we want to encourage you to visit our website ... is full of good decorating ideas to give that modern touch to your home ... shades & blinds, awnings, parasols .. Come on ... just check it out!

Hi Nicole,
How are you doing?
I realy don't know much about Massachuset job opportunity but I just saw your comment and I think you should never give up. We came this far and even things are not good out there you get believe in yourself and be positive you will find your way to work in your field. I love to became an interior designer and I am planning to go back to school this year after summer. I've been postponed my career because I am single mom trying to survive in this economy and I am working full time in something that I don’ t really like it but I have too and thanks to God I have a job. Any ways I just think you should continue with your career no matter what. Try to see if you could volunteer or even go on Craigs list and offer people some type of deal if they let you to decoreate their homes. I just an idea. I don't know if going to work but you get think out of the box.
Best Wishes,

Love Interior Design in Chicago, Illinois said: I've got the Sheffield School complete course of Interior Design I no longer need. Contact me if interested. Thanks! :)

would love to have them. lets communicate, my email is mknx2003@yahoo.com

Love Interior Design in Chicago, Illinois said: I've got the Sheffield School complete course of Interior Design I no longer need. Contact me if interested. Thanks! :)

Please email me the details

Hi, my name is Jessica
I'm 17 and going into the 11th grade. I've found my passion and it is Interior Design. I would like to know the best college to go to. Would anybody know?
Thank you

Jennifer in Los Angeles, California said: If you don't already have a lot of experience in this field, I would recommend choosing another one such as graphic , web or game design . (or non-design) Seriously, there is a 10 year supply of designers right now. I know so many who have decades of experience who are out of work. The field is completely saturated. Even Frank Gehry's projects are down 50%. I don't want to be a Debbie downer but this is just the simple truth. Don't throw away good money & time into a hopeless situation. If you do have a lot of experience already and just want to improve your education /skills during this down time, Rhodec/London Metropolitan has a good online design program and is very affordable. $6,500 for BA or $2,500 for certificate and you can take anywhere from 2-8 years to complete. It is ASID & NCIDQ approved. Again, if you have other training, experience or talent, I would highly recommend changing to that field instead. Business management, accounting , IT and marketing are much more in demand. Plus, you would need these skills to run your own design business anyway.

Several years ago, in Architectural Digest, in their list of the 100 top designers in the world was one gentleman who had graduated from Rhodec. I was impressed. I have started the program but am just at the beginning. Rhodec is difficult in that it is completely self-directed with no time limits on when to submit assignments. Besides that, it looks pretty comprehensive.

Love Interior Design in Chicago, Illinois said: I've got the Sheffield School complete course of Interior Design I no longer need. Contact me if interested. Thanks! :)

I would be interested in buying it from you. How much?

gaitanm in New York, New York said: I would be interested in buying it from you. How much?

Pls contact me at yuyis135@yahoo.com i am interested in buying it from you.

Nicole in Ludlow, Massachusetts said: I need help! I've been graduated for four years now and I have not been able to find a job! I have a bachelors degree from an International Design school. I live in Western Mass and there are not even any jobs posted in my area. I don't know what to do and need some direction. Interior Design is my passion and I'm afraid that I might have to give it up and go back to school for something else. Anyone have any words of wisdom?

Nicole, I was stuck doing a job for 33 years in corporate America ignoring my passion. Now I'm retired and I have an eye for design: Fashion - Jewelry - Interior Design - Interior Decorating. I'm going back to school to pursue Interior Decorating. I understand the turn of economics and the reality is you may have to put your dreams on hold. Not saying to forget them, but on hold for right now. You may pick up small jobs for friends, family or etc. while working someplace else for now. Pursue volunteering for jobs with contractors or sub-contractors.

I prayer that whatever direction you take you endeavors are fullfilled.

God Bless

No, it's a very competitive field. It is also a very hands-on career. Besides creativity and technical know-how, interior designers and architects are required to often go on-site. Try to find a part-time curriculum with internship opportunities in local design firms, if that is your passion.

Depending on where she is located, the design/construction field is improving.

I don't think it is worth. Inline courses can help you in only a case where you want to get theoretical knowledge without doing practicals but interior designing is a field where you have to do practicals and experiments. Getting experience is really necessary to get fine designs. I am working in a London interior company from 5 years now i feel that i have learned a lot. It is my view about online courses.

Barbara in Stavanger, Norway said: Hi,
I am living in Norway and would like to get an online degree in Interior desing. I was trying to find some ratings for the schools which have this kind of education . There is so many of them worldwide and it's so hard to find the top ones.
Appreciate any help!
Barbara

Hi BArbara,

It's been a long time since your epost but I also live in Norway and I would like to take a short course (6 months maximum) in Interior Decoration. Have you found any interesting one through your search? :)

Kind regards,
Myriam

Hi all - I came across this thread searching for schooling for interior design. While the degree is being recommended here, I have the same question as OP in that I would like to take an online program to get certified - which one offers you the best course?

My family owns and runs an upholstery shop and while I've been around designers my entire life and picked things up here and there, I want to be able to offer our clients a little more when helping them pick out fabrics and put them together. I don't necessarily need a bachelor's degree because I already have a job I love and I'm not looking to work with a design firm; this would be more of an "add on" to what I already know and do. Should I take a full Interior Design course or are there courses/fields that I could look into that would allow me to expand my knowledge and expertise a little further?? I want to have something more structured than just reading about design online or google searching. Recommendations??

HI Jenny!
I'm selling my Sheffield Interior Design Course (drastically discounted) if you're interested. I'm in NM right now. Let me know if you're interested.
Thanks!

jenny b in San Antonio, Texas said: Hi all - I came across this thread searching for schooling for interior design . While the degree is being recommended here, I have the same question as OP in that I would like to take an online program to get certified - which one offers you the best course?

Love Interior Design in Chicago, Illinois said: HI Jenny!
I'm selling my Sheffield Interior Design Course (drastically discounted) if you're interested. I'm in NM right now. Let me know if you're interested.
Thanks!

Can you advise what your asking price is? I don't know the price you paid could you post one or both of those figures to give us an idea of what you are willing to sell this for?

Love Interior Design in Chicago, Illinois said: I've got the Sheffield School complete course of Interior Design I no longer need. Contact me if interested. Thanks! :)

Has someone replied to this already?

I've had some interest, but haven't sold it yet. It's still for sale :)

Hi Myriam,
Long time indeed. I am just about to finish HND in Interior design and architecture from Limperts Academy of design in UK. I did an online course and loved it a lot but now I can't wait to be done with it. The shortest course they have is diploma course and lasts 1 year. If you have any questions let me know.
Good luck!

Wow. For how much?

Mklein in Minneapolis, Minnesota said: Has someone replied to this already?

Hi, I am interested in the design course you have, is it still available???

Thanks, Kim

Hi Kim,
It is! Feel free to email me at munequita (then the number four) at hotmail.com