March 07, 2007 by Eneida Alcalde Local Education Columnist
The Windy City is renowned as a world-class cultural center that offers the opportunity to experience musical festivals on the lakefront, countless delightful restaurants and innovative architectural masterpieces. Chicago is also known for its shopping centers, spirited nightlife, and its booming global economy.
A bachelor's degree in interior design from one of Chicago's local colleges will offer you a quality education while giving you the opportunity to explore and experience one of the U.S.A.'s most exciting cities.
Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design
Interior designers are involved in the creation and planning of interior spaces in practically all buildings. In Chicago, this will serve you well because the city is famous for its vibrant architecture. Theaters, shopping malls, hotels, and homeowners regularly hire interior designers to improve buildings' aesthetics while increasing their market value.
A bachelor's degree in interior design from one of Chicago's many accredited colleges usually takes four years to complete. Typical coursework includes subjects like:
- Computer-aided design (CAD)
- Drawing
- Color and fabrics
- Architecture
By earning a bachelor's degree, you'll qualify for entry into a formal design apprenticeship program. Chicago offers many unique and interesting places to pursue this experience, such as:
- Airport terminals
- Restaurants
- Schools
- Hospitals
Your apprenticeship should take one to three years to complete, as you work under the supervision of a veteran designer and gain valuable hands-on experience.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that median annual earnings for interior designers were $40,670 in May 2004, making this a well-paid career. As an architecture and interior design hub, Chicago will give you many opportunities to network as you gain experience in interior design.
Clearly, Chicago's local colleges and job opportunities in interior design will serve you well in this up-and-coming career.
Sources
About the Author Eneida P. Alcalde works in Washington, DC and has written several grants, educational manuals, and promotional material for development organizations. Eneida holds a B.A. in international politics and Spanish from The Pennsylvania State University. |