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Interior design is a field that is growing in popularity, especially among millennials.
If you are considering a career in interior design, then you might be wondering what the best schools for this field are and how much you can expect to earn.
Luckily, we have put together a comprehensive guide on both of these topics so that you can make an informed decision about your future.
Article Table of Contents
States Requirements for Interior Designers
To work as an interior designer in Tennessee, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in interior design from a recognized institution.
You will need to pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) test after you have completed your studies.
After you have completed this test, the Tennessee Board of Architectural and Interior Design Examiners will be able to grant you a license.
You will need to do continuing education credits every two years to keep your license active.
Every four years, you will need to renew your license.
5 Interior Design Schools in Tennessee
Several schools in Tennessee offer programs in interior design.
Here are five of the best:
Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University, located in Murfreesboro, offers a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design.
The program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and takes four years to complete.
The curriculum includes courses in design history, lighting, and CAD.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in an internship.
Tuition for in-state students is $9,160 per year, and tuition for out-of-state students is $24,576 per year.
Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University, located in Nashville, offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design.
The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and takes four years to complete.
The curriculum includes courses in color theory, furniture design, and sustainable design.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in an internship.
Tuition for in-state students is $7,196 per year, and tuition for out-of-state students is $16,560 per year.
Austin Peay State University
Austin Peay State University, located in Clarksville, offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design.
The program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and takes four years to complete.
The curriculum includes courses in design history, materials and methods, and computer-aided design.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in an internship.
Tuition for in-state students is $8,376 per year, and tuition for out-of-state students is $19,152 per year.
East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University, located in Johnson City, offers a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design.
The program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and takes four years to complete.
The curriculum includes courses in design fundamentals, lighting, and construction methods.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in an internship.
Tuition for in-state students is $9,472 per year, and tuition for out-of-state students is $23,296 per year.
University of Tennessee – Knoxville
The University of Tennessee – Knoxville offers a Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture.
The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and takes four years to complete.
The curriculum includes courses in furniture design, materials and methods, and the history of architecture and design.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in an internship.
Tuition for in-state students is $12,368 per year, and tuition for out-of-state students is $31,160 per year.
Interior Design Schools in Tennessee – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Middle Tennessee State University | 1301 E Main St, Murfreesboro, TN 37132 |
| Tennessee State University | 3500 John A Merritt Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209 |
| Austin Peay State University | 601 College St, Clarksville, TN 37044 |
| East Tennessee State University | 1276 Gilbreath Dr, Johnson City, TN 37614 |
| University of Tennessee - Knoxville | Knoxville, TN 37996 |
Salary Expectations
The average salary for an interior designer in Tennessee is $49,890 per year.
However, experienced designers can earn up to $79,610 per year.
Entry-level designers can expect to earn a starting salary of $30,560 per year.
The current national average for an entry-level interior designer in America is $48,769.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Memphis | $45,194 |
| Nashville-Davidson | $45,323 |
| Knoxville | $44,746 |
| Chattanooga | $43,970 |
| Clarksville | $44,297 |
| Murfreesboro | $44,982 |
| Jackson | $44,853 |
| Johnson City | $42,446 |
| Kingsport | $42,605 |
| Franklin | $45,164 |
Regional Salary in Tennessee
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 60 | $55,800 | $26.83 | $79,020 | $35,630 |
| Knoxville, TN | 130 | $56,460 | $27.14 | $77,600 | $33,080 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 170 | $46,280 | $22.25 | $72,680 | $24,110 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | 570 | $55,880 | $26.86 | $75,020 | $35,520 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for interior designers in Tennessee?
The job outlook for interior designers in Tennessee is positive.
The state is expected to see an 11% growth in the number of interior design jobs from 2016 to 2026.
Can you become an interior designer in Tennessee without a degree?
The quick answer to this is no.
To qualify for a license in Tennessee, someone must hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
However, if higher education is not your thing, do not be discouraged.
Interior designers with a degree will still typically need many years of expertise to be eligible for their license.
Therefore, while getting a degree provides a lot of experience, it is not necessarily immediately vital in all states.
There are several methods to become an interior designer without having a college education.
A lot of people these days are instead opting to just jump right in with an apprenticeship, or base level job, preferring the alternative to higher education; doing what you love, assisting customers while getting compensated instead of investing money, time, and effort in obtaining a degree.
While this is certainly an eligible path, it is not necessarily the most recommended one.
Can I be an interior designer if I cannot draw?
While the ability to draw is not a requirement to become an interior designer, it is still a skill that can be beneficial.
Many interior designers use drawing as a way to communicate their ideas to clients and contractors.
Additionally, drawing can be helpful when it comes to selecting furniture and other design elements for a project.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Certified Interior Designer
Interior Design Schools by State