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First, some facts. Of the Interior Design graduates from San Francisco State University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 10 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 73%, Interior Design graduates from San Francisco State University have a higher likelihood (+6%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 20% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Interior Design graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 97% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2015 from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Interior Design. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONDesign Assistant Restoration Hardware Jul 2016 - Jul 2017 Architectural Designer  Domum Aug 2017 - Present Chief Design Officer Domum Feb 2021 - Present Project Manager & Department Head Domum Apr 2019 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Fine Arts (MFA)Florence Design Academy 2015 - 2016 ABOUTExperienced Designer with a demonstrated history of working in the architecture & planning industry. Skilled in Revit, AutoCAD, Microsoft and Mac. Strong arts and design professional with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) focused in Interior Architecture from Florence Design Academy. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the career paths of people who graduated with an Interior Design degree from San Francisco State University, it's clear that there are a couple of prominent trends. Many graduates landed roles that are a direct fit for their education, especially in areas like upholstery and design assistance, showcasing their skills in practical and creative applications of interior design principles. For instance, positions such as upholsterers and design assistants allow these grads to use their knowledge of materials, aesthetics, and functionality to create beautiful and useful spaces. This is a fantastic way for them to put their learning into action while also serving a real need in the market.
On the flip side, there are quite a few graduates who took on jobs that are pretty far removed from interior design, like quality management analysts or operations project managers. These roles often focus more on management or logistics rather than the hands-on creativity that interior design requires. So, while some alumni have effectively carved out careers that align nicely with their studies, others have ventured into positions that don't really make much use of their interior design expertise. This mix shows that while the degree is valuable, it can lead to a variety of outcomes depending on where individuals choose to focus their careers.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Interior Design graduates (this is across all Interior Design graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to San Francisco State University):
When you look at the career paths of graduates from the Interior Design program at San Francisco State University, there seems to be a mix of success stories and less conventional routes. For many, their first jobs after graduation are often in related fields, like upholstery or design assistance. It’s quite common to see graduates start as assistants or apprentices, which makes sense since getting your foot in the door in the design world can lead to more significant opportunities down the road. Some alumni have progressed to roles like Project Manager or even Chief Design Officer within just a few years, suggesting that there’s room for growth and advancement for those who stick with it.
However, not everyone has remained directly in the interior design field. Some graduates have veered off toward roles in project management or quality analysis, which, while still valuable, may not utilize their design training as effectively. For instance, several individuals with degrees in Interior Design have ended up in management positions or even unrelated fields, indicating that the degree can lead to various opportunities, but it might not always keep them in design. Still, many graduates seem to land solid jobs that leverage their skills, ranging from design consultancy to project management in well-known firms, suggesting that a degree from SFSU does open doors in the design industry, even if not everyone follows the most traditional route.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design can be pretty challenging, especially at a solid school like San Francisco State University. You’re not just sitting in lectures; you’ll be dealing with a lot of hands-on projects, critiquing designs, and getting into the nitty-gritty of color theory, space planning, and materials. Plus, there’s a fair amount of group work and presentations, which can be a bit stressful if teamwork isn’t your thing. It’s definitely more demanding than your average liberal arts degree, but if you’re passionate about design and creativity, you might find it super rewarding, too. Just be ready to put in some hard work!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Interior Design.
Looking at the career paths of these Interior Design grads from San Francisco State University, it seems like they’ve had a mix of decent opportunities but there are definitely some differences in earnings. The early graduates (like the ones from 2011 and 2012) started in roles that may not pay the big bucks, especially in upholstery and project management, which can be hit or miss regarding salary. On the other hand, those who landed positions at companies like Restoration Hardware and WeWork seem to be climbing the ladder, with some even stepping into senior roles and leadership positions, which likely means better compensation. The more recent grads, especially those just starting out, may be earning less while they build their experience. All in all, it looks like it varies a lot based on the specific jobs and companies they've been with, but some of them seem to be on the right track to making more money in the future!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Interior Design (this is across all Interior Design graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to San Francisco State University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Interior Design (ordered by the average relevance score of their Interior Design graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Fashion Institute of Technology
|
93 | 12 |
 University of Nebraska-Lincoln
|
92 | 16 |
 Kent State University
|
90 | 13 |
 Savannah College of Art and Design
|
89 | 21 |
 Design Institute of San Diego
|
89 | 10 |
 Iowa State University
|
86 | 13 |
 Pratt Institute
|
83 | 11 |
 Cazenovia College
|
79 | 15 |
 Purdue University
|
74 | 11 |
 The Art Institutes
|
74 | 20 |
 San Francisco State University
|
73 | 10 |
 East Carolina University
|
70 | 10 |
 Harrington College of Design
|
70 | 14 |
 Texas State University
|
67 | 11 |
 Radford University
|
47 | 10 |