by our College Data Analytics TeamAre you interested in designing the interior of empty spaces and structures? Do you want put the finishing touches on that newly built office building or apartment complex? Although interior architects share a lot with interior designers, they do much more than just pick colors and patterns. Interior architecture focuses on the actual architecture of the building and its construction. So you may choose furnishings for a space, as well as design windows, molding and other decorative finishes. Students will also learn technical issues like making old buildings safe from environmental hazards. Essentially this means that students of interior architecture will learn how to design indoor spaces that are both functional and attractive.
As an interior architecture major, there will be many different classes that you will need to take. Although each institution has its own requirements, a majority of these classes will include: art, design, environmental psychology, history, building systems, English, geometry, physics, architecture, drafting, professional development and computer design.
In 2021-2022, interior architecture was the 257th most popular major nationwide with 765 degrees awarded. This year's Best Interior Architecture Schools ranking compares 20 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of interiors programs later in this article.
This is a unique field that attracts many creative and self-motivated individuals. It combines two very popular fields of study into one occupation. In order to be successful you should be ready to learn about how to preserve and restore old buildings. This field requires extensive knowledge on architectural design and style throughout history and today. It is imperative that you understand building codes and safety regulations. A student will be able to build both physical and virtual models and draw plans of their own designs to scale. Perseverance and determination are important characteristics for students who will be drawing and redrawing, thinking and rethinking, making and remaking, and inventing ways to look at the world and create it into a physical space.
A student of interior architecture needs to meticulous and yet creative. Not only will students be designing spaces, but they will also be marketing their business skills, preparing estimates, configuring contracts, and planning and managing projects. Internships or work experience are highly recommended for success in a future career.
interior architecture degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Specific interiors careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
Interiors degree levels vary. You can get anything from a in interior architecture to the highest interiors degree, a . Different interior architecture degrees vary in how long they take.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to interiors, with approximately 52.4% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to interiors tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 54.4% |
| Master’s Degree | 18.7% |
| Doctoral Degree | 10.8% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 6.2% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 5.5% |
93.2% of interiors workers have at least a bachelor's. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in interior architecture have obtained.
This of course varies depending on which interiors career you choose.
A degree in interior architecture allows students to go in many different directions. Some students decide to work for architecture and engineering firms. Others may choose to go into interior design firms. Although it is not necessary, some people decide to continue their education in a more concentrated manner. More advanced degrees allow students to get jobs more readily in their specified field.
Want a job when you graduate with your interiors degree? Interior Architecture careers are expected to grow 5.4% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to interior architecture.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 190,000 | 5.5% |
| Interior Designers | 69,500 | 4.5% |
| Architecture Professors | 10,500 | 10.5% |
Interior Architecture graduates between <nil> reported earning an average of $44,528 in the <nil> timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $36,513 to as high as $60,152. As you might expect, salaries for interiors graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for interior architecture graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers interiors grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $148,970 |
| Architecture Professors | $99,320 |
| Interior Designers | $59,120 |
With over 72 different interiors degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased interiors school rankings to help you with this.
One of 8 majors within the Architecture & Related Services area of study, Interior Architecture has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Interior Architecture | 765 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Architectural Sciences & Technology | 7,632 |
| General Architecture | 4,814 |
| Urban & Regional Planning | 2,193 |
| Landscape Architecture | 926 |
| Environmental Design | 770 |
Image Credit: By Luis NГєГ±ez under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
