How to Find the Right Interior Designer Course

Once you have made a decision to enroll in an interior designer degree program near Elk Grove CA, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. Even if you have always had a gift for designing commercial or residential interiors, it's essential that you get the proper training to put your skills to work. And since a number of states do mandate that interior designers become licensed, based upon your state of residence you may need training to pass a licensing exam also. So it's very important that you carry out the appropriate research so that you can evaluate and compare each school that you are looking at prior to making your final choice. But just where do you start? A number of potential students will start their research by searching for interior design colleges near their residence and then comparing tuition costs. While location and cost are important factors when making a decision, they should not be the sole ones. Qualifications such as accreditation and reputation should be taken into account also. We will address those topics and other vital questions that you should be asking the interior design schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's talk a little bit more about what interior design is and what degree and class options are available.

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Interior Decoration and Interior Design

Often people mistake interior design for interior decoration. The primary difference between the two is the level of training required. Anyone can work as an interior decorator if they have a basic knowledge of or a talent for decorating interior spaces. On the other hand, working as an interior designer necessitates a formal education and in many states one must have an accredited Associate or Bachelor's Degree as well as be licensed. Interior designers are taught to make work or living spaces attractive as well as functional. On some projects they may team up with building engineers and architects. There are 2 broad categories that an interior designer in Elk Grove CA may specialize in:

• Residential Designing. Interior Designers often work on new construction and existing homes. They can design basically any area of the home, including bedrooms, basements and closets. Or they may specialize in designing one particular room, such as kitchens or bathrooms.
• Commercial Design. When working on public or commercial areas, designers normally concentrate predominantly on either aesthetic appeal or functionality but pay attention to both. For example, business reception areas and meeting rooms are areas where aesthetics may be emphasized over function. Designs for hospitals and banks may focus more on functionality over appearance as the primary concern.

There are various areas of residential and commercial interior design that a designer must learn, including lighting, color schemes, acoustics and furniture. Designers must be able to use graphic design and read blue prints in order to produce their visions. From choosing wall paper and carpeting to incorporating Feng shui concepts, Elk Grove California interior designers implement a wide range of skills that help bring about their ultimate designs.
 

Interior Design Degree Programs

There are 4 degree options offered in interior design to receive the training necessary to start your new career in Elk Grove CA. Your selection will no doubt be influenced by your career goals in addition to the time and money that you have to invest in your education. But no matter which degree program you choose to enroll in, make certain to pick one that is accredited. Accreditation is mandated in order to qualify for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination mandated in a number of states. More will be discussed on additional benefits of accreditation later. Following are brief explanations of the interior design degrees that are offered.

• Associate Degree. Associate degrees in interior design provide the minimum amount of education needed to enter the profession. They take roughly two years to complete and programs are available at many California trade schools and junior colleges. Graduates can typically qualify for entry level employment as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are four year programs that furnish more in depth training than the Associate Degree. They cover the creative and technical components of the business needed to become a designer. They are the minimum credential needed by a college graduate in order to secure an entry level position as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These 2 year programs supply advanced training in design after achieving a Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees provide options in specialized majors for such things as business offices or residential bathrooms. Many students enroll to advance their skills to be more competitive in the job market.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctoral programs are largely for those professionals who desire to teach interior design at a college or university level. The programs vary in length but are normally completed in 3 to 5 years.

In order to work as a professional and adopt the title of "Interior Designer", a number of states require that graduates of accredited colleges become licensed. In several instances, 2 or more years of professional experience may be called for before an applicant can take the licensing examination.

What to Ask Interior Design Colleges

When you have selected the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can start the task of assessing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the campus has to be within driving distance from your Elk Grove CA residence. Obviously if you are interested in attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will limit your choices as well. But selecting the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to your house are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you need to look at as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a list of questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others to help you examine and subsequently pick the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the interior designer program and college that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a national or regional agency. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive evaluation of their programs and teachers. Just confirm that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are exceptional, it might also help when securing financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Elk Grove California employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.

Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in several of those States calling for licensing, 2 or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. Therefore aside from providing an exceptional education, the Elk Grove CA college you enroll in should also provide the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum requirements for licensing for California or the State where you will be working.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will probably want some help in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the school and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design field and its students are in demand. It could also indicate that the school has a sizable network of Elk Grove CA business connections where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Assistance Offered? Get in touch with the financial aid departments for the Elk Grove CA colleges you are looking at and ask what type of assistance they offer. A number of interior designer schools provide financial assistance to their new students. Certain colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Elk Grove CA schools you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Elk Grove home, visit the campus and attend a few classes. While there speak with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior designer college you select offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Elk Grove CA, verify that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, check that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.

Enroll in the Best Interior Design School near Elk Grove California

Selecting the ideal interior design school is a critical first step toward starting your career in this artistic and fulfilling profession. Finding a school where you will obtain your education and develop your skills in a particular area of study is a difficult task no matter what field you have chosen. As with any undertaking to receive a higher education, there are several things to consider before selecting a course, program or school. At a minimum, make sure that the design college and program are both accredited and highly respected in the field. But it is still essential that you complete your due diligence research. By doing so and following the remaining recommendations presented in this article, you will be able to effectively assess and compare interior design colleges so that you can make the ideal final selection. And with excellent training and your desire to succeed, you can accomplish your goal of becoming an interior designer in Elk Grove California.