Career and Graduate School Opportunities Employment in design occupations is expected to grow through the year 2005. Interior designers often work for design firms, architectural firms, department and home furnishing stores, or hotel and restaurant chains. Some designers do freelance work full time, part time, or in addition to a salaried job. Beginning designers usually receive on the job training and normally need one to three years of apprenticeship before they advance to higher level positions. Experienced designers in large firms may advance to cheif designer, design department head, or other supervisory positions.
Some experienced designers open their own firms.
Currently, the West Virginia University Interior Design Program does not offer a graduate degree. However, our graduates are well positioned to take advantage of opportunities for advanced education elsewhere. The faculty encourages and supports both professional practice and advanced education.