Which Schools Offer Interior Design Degrees in the San Diego, CA Area?

Education and License Information for Interior Designers in San Diego

Interior designers typically need at least a bachelor's degree and experience in both computer-aided design and drawing, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Some educational programs may request that you submit samples of your work before you are admitted. While you can work as an interior designer in California without a license, you can only call yourself a registered interior designer if you have a license. In order to earn your license, you must have the proper combination of education and work experience in addition to passing an exam. There are several ways to become qualified, one of which is having at least a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited program, in addition to having at least 3,500 hours of qualified work experience.

Job Outlook and Salary Info for Interior Designers in San Diego

According to the BLS, interior designers nationwide were expected to see a 19% employment growth between 2010 and 2020. The increased number of consumers wanting homes and buildings that are more eco-friendly and identifiable will drive future demand for interior designers. The BLS also reported that as of May 2011, there were 700 interior designers employed in the San Diego - Carlsbad - San Marcos area of California; they earned an average salary of approximately $53,000.

Interior Design Associate's Degree Programs near San Diego

San Diego Mesa College

• Program Name: Associate of Science in Interior Design
• Program Length: Two years, full-time
• Tuition: $898 per academic year for in-state residents, $5,290 per academic year for out-of-state residents (as of 2011-2012 academic year)
• School Type: Two-year, public; about 25,500 undergraduate students
• Address: 7250 Mesa College Dr., San Diego, CA 92111
• Phone: 619-388-2604

San Diego Mesa College has interior design program that instructs you on environmental applications, technical skills and professional practices. Courses include residential design, drafting, color theory, textiles and lighting design. The program is accredited by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, so upon completion you'll be ready to sit for its Associate Kitchen and Bath Design certification exam. The interior design program also includes both paid and unpaid internships during the fall and spring semesters. San Diego Mesa College has an interior design club and also offers students field trips to such places as showcase houses, design centers and museums. This program is also available in a certificate format.

Palomar College

• Program Name: Associate of Art in Interior Design
• Program Length: Two years, full-time
• Tuition: $1,052 per academic year for in-state residents, $5,084 per academic year for out-of-state residents (as of 2011-2012 academic year)
• School Type: Two-year, public; approximately 25,000 undergraduate students
• Address: 1140 W. Mission, San Marcos, CA 92069
• Phone: 760-744-1150

The associate's degree program at Palomar College prepares you to become an independent designer and work in a design firm or design showroom. While enrolled, you'll learn about the principles of color, environmentally friendly technology, art history, fabrics, space planning and presentation methods. Palomar also includes an internship near the end of the program. Your class instructors may include kitchen and bath designers, interior designers and business owners.

Interior Design Bachelor's Degree Program near San Diego

San Diego State University

• Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Art with a specialization in interior design
• Program Length: Four years, full-time
• Tuition: $6,578 per academic year for in-state residents, $17,738 per academic year for out-of-state residents (as of 2011-2012 academic year)
• School Type: Four-year, public; about 31,000 students including about 26,000 undergraduates
• Address: 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-4805
• Phone: 619-594-6511

San Diego State University's art majors can opt to focus their studies on interior design. To qualify, they must pass lower-level classes, submit a portfolio and receive approval from an Interior Design Evaluation Committee. Preliminary courses cover drawing, painting, art history and design. Within the upper-division specialty area, you learn about interior design methods and materials. You also complete a three-credit practicum.

Interior Design Master's Degree Program near San Diego

San Diego State University

• Program Name: Master of Arts in Studio Art or Master of Fine Arts
• Specialization: Interior design
• Tuition: $6,578 per academic year for in-state residents, $17,738 per academic year for out-of-state residents (as of 2011-2012 academic year)
• Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree
• Admission Requirements: GRE scores, resume, letter of recommendation, portfolio of work
• School Type: Four-year, public; about 31,000 students including about 5,000 graduates
• Address: 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-4805
• Phone: 619-594-6511

Qualified students who show both scholastic aptitude and artistic talent may pursue one of two master's degrees with an emphasis on interior design. The Master of Arts option is a studio-based focus, while the Master of Fine Arts is a terminal degree. For either option, you must spend at least two semesters as a full-time, in-residence student. Both programs are tied to a student chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers.