• Education Prerequisites: Applicants typically need a high school diploma or a GED.
• Professional Prerequisites: None.
• Average Program Length: 12 months (full time); 24 months (part time).

Online certificate programs in interior decorating provide students with the artistic and business skills they need to work in residential design. Job opportunities may be available with either an established company or as a self-employed decorator. These online certification programs typically cover topics such as color theory, lighting techniques, decorating and design fundamentals, space planning, and fabric selection. Students may also be required to take courses in business, such as marketing, advertising, social media, or budgeting. Whether they are already working in the field and want to advance their careers or are looking to break in to the industry for the first time, students from a variety of backgrounds can benefit from the flexibility an online curriculum provides.

Completing an Online Certificate Program in Interior Decorating

Students who enroll in an online interior decorating certification program can expect a combination of survey and practicum courses. Possible courses may include color theory, interior decorating and design, lighting, furniture styles and arrangements, marketing, client relations, and advertising. Course work may require students to demonstrate a working knowledge of interior decorating concepts in practice and in tests and quizzes. Some written assignments may be required as well.

Most online college certificate programs give students the flexibility to continue working while balancing the demands of their personal and family lives. The asynchronous format common in online learning programs lets students log in to the virtual classroom at any time and from any location with internet access. Electronic document submission, discussion boards, video, chat, and virtual-meeting technologies all help to make online learning feasible. The interactive nature of these technologies also keeps the curriculum engaging even for distance learning students.

What Your Online Certificate in Interior Decorating Can Do for You

After completing an online interior decorating certification program, graduates will have the necessary artistic insight and business skills to pursue a position with a design firm or work as a self-employed interior decorator. Online certification programs can be a great option for working adults looking to switch career paths or those entering the work force for the first time. Please note, additional training and licensure is required to work as a certified interior designer.

Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a relatively strong job outlook for the interior design industry. Most opportunities for interior decorators will be found in the specialized design services industry, working alongside licensed interior designers. The reported median annual salary for interior designers was $46,280 in 2010. However, interior decorators can expect lower salaries on average since they may be working in a design assistant capacity. Interior decorators may also opt to run their own business or work as freelancers.

Online Certificate Programs by School

	Herzing University - Herzing's online certificate program offers the flexibility, personalization, and support you need to succeed in today's ever-changing job market. Discover Herzing's hands-on coursework, experienced faculty, and student-first approach which sets them apart from other online universities.
	Ultimate Medical Academy - Get personalized attention with UMA. One-on-one tutoring, pre-interview coaching, job search assistance, alumni services—they’re all included in Ultimate Medical Academy’s competitively priced tuition. As a nationally accredited school, we provide quality career training online and at our two campuses in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. Let’s talk about your needs, your career goals and how UMA can help you succeed. Gainful employment information can be found at ultimatemedical.edu/gainful-employment.pdf and includes information on tuition, loan debt, completion, placement and occupations.
	Penn Foster Career School - Penn Foster Career School offers over 85 online career diploma and certificate programs that can help students prepare for a career path in some of today’s fastest growing fields. If you are looking for training in allied health, business, education, or the trades, then Penn Foster Career School is a great choice. Penn Foster Career School is regionally accredited by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.