Interior designers help to brainstorm, draft, and coordinate design overhauls of clients’ homes, commercial businesses, or even entire companies.
From updating wallpaper and color schemes to rebuilding entire decks, dens, and guest houses, interior designers have plenty of skills to get the job done.
If you are thinking of becoming an interior designer in the state of Mississippi, use the following guide to compare interior design schools and salaries that are suitable for the career you envision for yourself.
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Mississippi Requirements for Interior Designers
While it is possible to work as an interior designer on your own nationally, the role is regulated in some states throughout the country.
In Mississippi, there are not currently statewide requirements that are in place to become an interior designer.
There are, however, certification programs that may help to advance career opportunities for interior designers in the state.
Statewide certification for interior design is regulated by the MSBOA or the Mississippi State Board of Architecture.
Additionally, it is also possible to obtain national certification through NCIDQ, or the National Council for Interior Design Qualification exam.
For those interested in pursuing interior designer certifications, an interior design degree along with a portfolio and/or work experience is typically required to enroll in any exam or course.
5 Interior Design Schools in Mississippi
Mississippi College
Mississippi College is located in Clinton, Mississippi.
The university provides a four-year bachelor’s program for those who are interested in pursuing a career as a professional interior designer.
From understanding the history of architecture and interior design to learning about modern and ancient trends that create the atmospheres we enjoy all around us today, the interior design degree program at Mississippi has it all.
The B.F.A. interior design program offered by Mississippi College requires 130 credit hours.
Full-time tuition for students enrolled in the Interior Design Bachelor’s program from Mississippi College can expect to pay approximately $9,828 per semester or 12-18 credit hours.
Mississippi State University
Another four-year bachelor’s degree in interior design is also available for students attending Mississippi State University.
At Mississippi State University, students can expect to be immersed in the foundation of interior design, the history of various artistic trends, as well as how to apply functional design in today’s world.
Full-time students enrolled in a Bachelor’s Interior Design program through Mississippi State University can expect to pay $8,540 per semester for tuition in addition to approximately $16,417 in other costs and expenses.
Itawamba Community College
Itawamba Community College provides an array of interior design courses that are affordable and accessible to just about everyone.
For those who are just getting started in interior design, Itawamba Community College may be the place for you.
With an Introduction to interior design program, the entire program is 6 weeks and provides a total of 24-course hours.
For those interested, 6-week access passes that are instructor-led are available starting at $115.00 USD.
Students who prefer self-paced courses can also gain access to a 3-month program for $115.00 USD as well.
The average in-state tuition for those attending Itawamba Community College, or ICC, was $2,900 as of 2019.
Out-of-state tuition for students in 2019 was approximately $5,100, still making this one of the most affordable choices for students seeking an introduction to interior designing.
Northeast Mississippi Community College
Northeast Mississippi Community College is another affordable option for those interested in pursuing a career as an interior designer in Mississippi itself.
At Northeast Mississippi Community College, the average annual tuition is approximately $15,664 total, which is significantly lower than the national average when comparing alternative universities and private colleges.
While the Northeast Mississippi Community College tuition is typically more costly than alternatives such as Itawamba Community College, its Introduction to Interior Design program is extremely competitive when it comes to cost.
For a 6-week instructor-led program, students can gain access for $99.00.
For those who prefer self-paced courses, 3 months of access is also available for $115.00.
The entire program includes 24-course hours.
Holmes Community College
Another community college option for residents and out-of-state students who are interested in pursuing a career in interior design is Holmes Community College.
From learning about Going Green and sustainable design to incorporating outdated trends in a modern fashion, Holmes Community College has plenty to offer.
At Holmes Community College, students can expect to pay an average total cost of $15,440 for their tuition, from start to finish.
Holmes Community College offers a similar 6-week course with 24 credit hours for $125.00 USD.
This is an instructor-led course.
For students who prefer to go at their own pace, 3 months access is also available for $99.00 USD.
Interior Design Schools in Mississippi – Summary Table
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Mississippi College | 200 S. Capitol Street, Clinton, MS 39056 |
Mississippi State University | 75 B. S. Hood Rd, Mississippi State, MS 39762 |
Itawamba Community College | 602 W Hill St, Fulton, MS 38843 |
Northeast Mississippi Community College | 101 Cunningham Blvd, Booneville, MS 38829 |
Holmes Community College | 1 Hill St, Goodman, MS 39079 |
Salary
Working as a professional interior designer full-time in the United States earns approximately $48,769 each year.
For those living in Mississippi, the salary is around the same as the national average, coming in at around $48,830 each year.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Jackson | $43,651 |
Gulfport | $42,883 |
Biloxi | $43,224 |
Hattiesburg | $42,614 |
Greenville | $43,356 |
Meridian | $43,229 |
Tupelo | $41,142 |
Southaven | $45,126 |
Vicksburg | $43,212 |
Pascagoula | $42,878 |
Regional Salary in Mississippi
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jackson, MS | 60 | $49,710 | $23.9 | $76,360 | $28,150 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to become certified as an interior designer in Mississippi?
The application fee for exams will range from 175 to $350, depending on the certification and/or exam you are interested in pursuing.
How much does certification renewal cost for interior designers in Mississippi?
The cost to renew your interior design certificate is $250.00 every 2 years in addition to completing 12 credits in continued education for interior design.
What is required to become a certified interior designer in Mississippi?
You will need to have an interior design degree along with proof of passing the NCIDQ exam.
All sections of the NCIDQ exam must be completed and passed.
You will then need to pay an application fee of $175 to complete the certification process.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Certified Interior Designer