Among the courses you?ll take are Drafting for Construction I and II, Color Theory and Application, Interior Lighting, Materials and Finishes, and Studio classes focusing on commercial, residential, and kitchen and bath projects. Classes focus on Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and historic and modern design development. Along with your major classes, you?ll take a concentration of business and art courses to help build the skills you?ll need. An internship is recommended.

The Interior Design program at IUP strives to foster creativity while applying codes and standards to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public in their built environment.

The Bachelor of Science in Interior Design prepares you for entry-level positions in commercial and residential design, sales, historic preservation, and showroom management.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, faster-than-average job growth of about 19 percent from 2006 to 2016 is expected for interior design, but keen competition is still anticipated, due to the number of qualified designers. About 26 percent of those in this profession are self-employed, the study noted.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, postsecondary education, especially a bachelor?s degree, is recommended for entry-level jobs. The labor study noted that 23 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico register or license interior designers. The National Council for Interior Design Qualification gives the licensing exam. Knowledge of ergonomics, in light of the growing aging population, and green design are expected to be in demand, according to the study. Other popular areas are kitchen and bath upgrades, home theaters, home spas, indoor gardens, and outdoor living spaces.