If you’re an aspiring interior designer, it’s important to understand what degree programs and certifications are all about, and to make an informed decision as to which is the right choice for you. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between getting an interior design certification vs. degree, as well as other educational options such as diplomas and certificates. We’ll also delve deep into how you can consider your career goals, time commitment, cost and other factors so you can make the best decision. Get started by listening to real pros in the video above or click a link to jump straight to the section you're interested in:
Interior design certification vs. degree: which is required?
Opinions vary as to how important having certification or a degree is for a successful career in interior design. While having a more advanced level of education can certainly help you stand out for interior design roles at firms or with certain clients, obtaining certification, a bachelor’s or master’s degree is not required in the interior design field. More than a quarter of interior designers surveyed by Houzz in 2022, for instance, report having credentials that range from a high school diploma to an associate degree.
Check out Can You Become an Interior Designer Without a Degree? and Can You Call Yourself an Interior Designer Without a License? to learn more.
What is an interior design degree?
An interior design degree is a post-secondary or post-graduate course of study leading to an associate degree in approximately 2 years, a bachelor’s degree in 3 to 4 years or a master’s degree in 1 to 4 years (after completing your bachelor’s). Both associate and bachelor's degrees include education in the skills required for entry-level designers, while a bachelor’s interior design degree typically covers more general education: theory and liberal arts studies such as art history, the history of interior design, psychology and philosophy of design and other courses. Master’s level degrees cover more advanced coursework and can provide opportunities for niche specialization.
It’s important to also note the difference between an interior design diploma vs. degree. Diploma programs typically don’t cover theory and get straight into the practical, hands-on side of interior design and can be completed in as little as one year.
Find a degree program that’s right for you in our article, Top Interior Design Schools.
What is an interior design certification?
Interior design certification vs. degree and certificate completion are different in that certification requires you to take an exam or finish a specific program in order to verify the skills you’ve mastered. There are many kinds of certification programs from state to national, to types of design work such as kitchen & bath to sustainable design and more. Certification goes beyond degree, diploma or certificate programs to help you stand out more in your field and show that you’re qualified (and certified by a reputable organization) to take on specific projects or meet a certain set of professional criteria.
Explore the Ultimate Guide to Interior Design Certification to learn more.
What is an interior design certificate?
The main differences between completing an interior design degree vs. certificate are time, cost and scope of the programs. Interior design certificate programs typically can be completed within one year and focus on the core skills required, while an interior design degree takes between 3 to 4 years (for a bachelor’s) and covers a broader education in art, design and other relevant fields. Both interior design certificate and degree programs can help prepare you for achieving interior design certification, which is not required for a career in interior design but can be beneficial.
Differences between an interior design certification vs. degree
Interior design degree vs. certification time
Interior design degrees can take anywhere from 2 to 5 or more years to complete depending on if you’re pursuing an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree. Meanwhile, the length of time it takes to gain interior design certification depends greatly on the type of program and certification you’re pursuing. Many programs and exams take just a few months to a year, while the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) can take anywhere from one month to 5 years to complete depending on your background qualifications.
Interior design degree vs. certification cost
Pursuing an interior design degree is typically going to have a much higher cost than certification. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in interior design, for instance, can cost anywhere from $56,000 to over $100,000 according to US News. Certification on the other hand can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a thousand dollars or more for most programs, while more involved certification such as the NCIDQ can cost in the tens of thousands or more. Keep in mind, though, that some certification programs require a bachelor’s degree, which can add to time/cost, though sometimes an associate degree will suffice. Learn more about how much it costs to become an interior designer.
Interior design degree vs. certification learning format
Today you’re able to learn either online or in the classroom for both interior design degree and certification programs, though degree programs typically offer more in-person learning opportunities. In general, classroom-based learning can be more hands-on and interactive, while remote learning tends to offer greater flexibility for learning styles and daily life schedules.
Interior design degree vs. certification topics covered
By and large, interior design degree programs cover a more “holistic” range of topics while certification programs have a more narrow focus. Degree programs will also typically have a strong focus on technology and computer-aided design (CAD) education. Certification programs meanwhile will help you specialize in a certain area of interior design or meet the specific requirements to achieve certification nationally or in your state.
How to choose between an interior design certification vs. degree
Define your career goals
Knowing what you envision for your career can help you focus on the right path in terms of getting an interior design certification vs. degree. For instance, do you want to pursue a unique specialization in interior design? If so, then certification may be right for you. Does working in a large interior design firm appeal to you? Then obtaining a degree may be best to help you stand out against other candidates. Do you want to work for yourself or in a smaller firm? Then pursuing an associate degree or certification may be all you need to get started.
Think about how you learn best
Consider your learning style and your lifestyle when choosing between going after an interior design certification vs. degree. Big, in-person classroom settings may not be your thing — or then again, you may love being in the classroom learning alongside your peers, so pursuing a degree in a more traditional learning environment may be right for you. But maybe you’re working part-time and need the flexibility of remote learning or self-paced courses, or you want to complete your education as quickly as possible — in these cases, certification or an associate degree may be best for you and both your learning and lifestyle needs.
Consider your interior design experience
If you’ve already been working in interior design for yourself or others and have a solid portfolio, you may not need to pursue a degree program to meet your career goals and can focus on specialization instead through a certification program. But if you’re new to interior design and would prefer to go a more established route, then pursuing a degree program may be right for you.
Consider how much time you can commit
We’ve shared that pursuing an interior design degree program can take a lot more time versus achieving certification, a diploma or certificate. So keep this in mind with your lifestyle and career goals when considering your education path.
Consider how much of your finances you can commit
How much money you have available or are willing to borrow/obtain a loan for to pursue your interior design studies is an important factor to consider in your decision-making. While education can be a worthwhile investment, remember to think long-term about what you might have to pay back with student loans, etc. and if that’s the best path for you and your career goals.
Consider your competition
If you’re in a saturated market, you may want to consider a more involved or advanced path to help you stand out. A degree path, for instance, can help distinguish yourself from your competition, while a certification can showcase your expertise in a certain skill set or that you’ve obtained a unique qualification beyond your peers. Learn more about how much you can make as an interior designer.
Consider your connections
If you already have an “in” in interior design through connections, potential clients that you could serve or otherwise, perhaps you can explore a less time and resource intensive route. But if you don’t already have your foot in the door, having a degree or certification can certainly help your chances to advance your interior design career.
Conclusion
Whichever you choose — interior design certification vs. degree, a diploma or certificate — pursuing educational opportunities can greatly benefit your career as an interior designer.
If you’re interested in fast-tracking your career path, check out How To Get Started as an Interior Designer with No Experience.
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