Where I was, am, and will be...

From a very early age, I enjoyed drawing pictures of living rooms and bedrooms.  I would include things like pillows and artwork.  I began to take up the hobby of decorating in my mother’s home.  She gave me the freedom to paint walls, hang curtains, and rearrange furniture.  In high school, when it came time to decide what profession I wanted to pursue, I knew that choosing Interior Design was a “no-brainer.”  I figured I would take the very basic hobby I have, and learn the technical and architectural aspects that make up Interior Design. 

When I enrolled into The Art Institute of Tampa I was a little taken back by how much more technical, designing is- from decorating.  Out of an 11 week course, I have about one week to select my color scheme and materials.  The rest of the time is spent on research, diagrams, constructing a solid floor plan, elevations, sections, details, and a reflected ceiling plan- all the necessary construction documents to accurately communicate my design.  Each semester I am challenged and I find out what my strengths are and I learn where I need to improve.  I feel like I have a long way to go, but I am eager and excited to grow and learn. 

I am currently in my 4th year at The Art Institute (part-time) and working at an engineering firm, PBS&J (full- time).  I get very excited when I see the designers and architects at my job, doing the same things I learn in school.  I understand how important my education is and why my teachers give me the assignments that they do. As much as I would like to rush through school, I recognize that if I’m going to do this, I need to do it right- absorb all the information and get the best grades that I can.  I am extremely confident that when I graduate with my Bachelors degree, I will be well prepared for a position under a licensed designer, however,  I do not want to end my education there.

There are quite a few degrees for me to consider:

MS- Master of Sciences. The Master of Science degrees certify the completion of post graduate research in a scientific discipline, the recipient earning the title Master of Science, or MS. Some universities use MS, MSci, MSc or other designations for Master of Science degree graduates. The Master of Science degree is contingent upon the specific post graduate program or scientific discipline.

MA- Master of Arts. The degree is typically studied for in English, Fine Arts, History, Nursing, Humanities, Geography, Philosophy, Social Sciences or Theology and can be either fully-taught, research-based, or a combination of the two.

MID- Master of Interior Design.  “A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to apply artistic principles and techniques to the professional planning, designing, equipping, and furnishing residential and commercial interior spaces. Includes instruction in computer applications drafting and graphic techniques; principles of interior lighting, acoustics, systems integration, and color coordination; furniture and furnishings; textiles and their finishing; the history of interior design and period styles; basic structural design; building codes and inspection regulations; and applications to office, hotel, factory, restaurant and housing design.” http://www.universities.com/edu/Masters_degrees_in_Interior_Design.html

MFA-  Master of Fine Arts. It is a two to three year terminal degree in a creative field of study such as theatre arts, creative writing, filmmaking or studio art.

EDD-  Doctor of Education.  This is a discipline-based doctorate that prepares the student for academic, administrative, clinical or research positions in education. The Ed.D. is a terminal degree and recognized by the National Science Foundation as equivalent to the Ph.D.

PHD- Doctor of Philosophy.  A PhD is an advanced academic degree awarded by universities. The PhD is the highest degree one can earn in most English speaking countries.  The PhD or equivalent has become a requirement for a career as a university professor or researcher in most fields.

I am currently undecided as to which masters program I will be pursuing.  I am leaning toward an MA or MID.  There are several factors that will come into play.  I will need to find a reputable school that offers the program and is in the proper location. After achieving my bachelors and landing a job as an Interior Designer, I plan to enroll in a master’s program as soon as possible.  I will be crossing my fingers that my employer will be able to help support my goals to further my education.