Interested in becoming an interior designer? You've probably noticed that there are plenty of training programs to choose from, at both the college and university level.

So how do you know which option is best for you? What's the difference between an interior design diploma and an interior design degree?

Both types of programs cover design concepts, technical skills, and industry software. Both typically offer internship opportunities to help students get real-world experience as part of their training.

But degree programs spend a lot more time on design theory while diploma programs are built around practical design skills.

Degree programs are longer and more in-depth; diploma programs are shorter and more streamlined.

In this post, we help you understand the big difference between interior design diplomas and degrees - so you can decide which one is right for you.

Photo: Interior design team discusses design plans for a bathroom project

Updated May 2021.

So, you’re thinking of becoming an interior designer and you’re wondering what it’s really like to work in this field. 

The good news is you’re already asking the right questions. Getting a realistic idea of life at work is crucial when choosing a career path. And you need this information before you invest in training. 

Let’s face it, no job is perfect. There are always ups and down, benefits and challenges. Interior design is no exception! 

Knowing what to expect (the good and the bad) will help you decide if interior design is your true calling—or if you’re better off pursuing something else. 

So, let’s get down to it. These are the most common pros and cons of becoming an interior designer.  

Take a look, consider your goals, and decide if this career is right for you. 

Summary of this post: Find out what characteristics to look for in a quality Interior Design course. Learn how to compare programs and get a list of questions to ask admissions. We cover:

1. Curriculum
2. Internship
3. Program length
4. Graduate employment rates
5. Career support services
6. Reputation and reviews
   

This is such an exciting time to start a career in interior design. There are so many new software tools, tons of inspiring designers out there pushing boundaries, and a wide variety of job options in this field.

But let's take a step back. Your first priority is to find an Interior Design course that will actually get you hired.

There are many options out there, from DECs and AECs to Bachelor degrees in Interior Design.

This post is for people who want to bypass the theory and get straight to designing. So we'll be focusing on college Interior Design training, which is more practical and hands-on.

Interior design is one of the most interesting, creative, technically challenging careers out there. The industry is huge, with so many ways to specialize and so many different job options.

Want to design homes? Interested in commercial designs for retail stores or hotels? Have a passion for kitchens, bathrooms, small spaces, or eco-friendly materials? Want to own your own interior design business one day?

This field has something for everyone.

We’ve been offering an Interior Design program at Herzing for several years now. When we put together the curriculum, we looked very closely at hiring trends and the specific skills employers are looking for in new designers. 

What kinds of companies are hiring interior designers? What creative and technical skills are most in-demand right now? Who is hiring our graduates? 

There are a lot of different Interior Design programs out there, from DECs to AECs to university degrees.

Longer programs tend to delve deeper into the theory, philosophy, and history of interior design, while shorter programs focus more on practical design skills.

The interior design students we work with at Herzing are an incredibly diverse group, coming from different backgrounds and all ages. Some are recent high school graduates, others are working parents, and quite a few are international students.

Sustainable interior design has become increasingly popular among homeowners and commercial builders for a number of reasons.

Ethical concerns, environmental protection, and a desire for increased energy efficiency are some of the top drivers of the trend—but it's also become fashionable to seek out unexpected, alternative, and innovative building and design materials.