How to Find the Best Interior Design Degree Program

Once you have decided to enroll in an interior design degree program near Laguna Niguel CA, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. Even if you have always had a gift for designing residential or commercial interiors, it's essential that you receive the appropriate training to put your skills to work. And since several states do mandate that interior designers be licensed, based upon your state of residence you may need training to pass a licensing exam as well. So it's essential that you do the appropriate research in order to evaluate and compare each school that you are considering prior to making your final decision. But exactly where do you start? Some prospective students will begin their research by looking for interior design courses near their home and then comparing tuition costs. While cost and location are key factors when making a determination, they are by no means the only ones. Qualifications such as reputation and accreditation must be taken into consideration also. We will address those topics and other crucial questions that you must ask the interior design schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's cover a little bit more about what interior design is and what degree and training choices are available.

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Interior Decoration and Interior Design

Some people confuse interior design for interior decoration. The primary difference between the two is the level of education required. Anyone can do business as an interior decorator if they have a basic knowledge of or a talent for decorating interior areas. However, conducting business as an interior designer necessitates a formal education and in many states one must have an accredited Associate or Bachelor's Degree and be licensed. Interior designers are taught to make work or residential areas attractive as well as functional. On some projects they may work together with building engineers and architects. There are 2 general areas that an interior designer in Laguna Niguel CA may specialize in:

• Residential Designing. Interior Designers frequently work on new construction and existing homes. They can design basically any area of the home, including bedrooms, closets and basements. Or they can specialize in designing one particular room, for instance kitchens or bathrooms.
• Commercial Design. When working on commercial or public areas, designers normally concentrate primarily on either functionality or aesthetic appeal but take notice of both. For example, business reception areas and meeting rooms are spaces where aesthetics may be emphasized over function. Designs for hospitals and banks might focus more on functionality over looks as the main consideration.

There are many areas of residential and commercial interior design that a designer must learn, including color schemes, lighting, acoustics and furniture. They have to be able to use graphic design and read blue prints in order to produce their visions. From picking wall paper and carpeting to integrating Feng shui principles, Laguna Niguel California interior designers implement a wide range of skills that contribute to their final designs.
 

Interior Designer Degree Programs

There are four degree options offered in interior design to get the training necessary to begin your new profession in Laguna Niguel CA. Your decision will undoubtedly be motivated by your career goals in addition to the money and time that you have budgeted to invest in your education. But regardless of which degree program you decide to enroll in, make sure to pick one that is accredited. Accreditation is needed in order to qualify for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam required in some states. More will be covered on additional accreditation benefits later. Below are brief descriptions of the interior design degrees that are available.

• Associate Degree. Interior Design Associate Degrees provide the minimum level of education needed to enter the profession. They take roughly 2 years to finish and programs are offered at a number of California community colleges and vocational schools. Graduates can typically obtain entry level jobs as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are four year programs that supply more in depth training than the Associate Degree. They deal with the creative and technical aspects of the business needed to become a designer. They are the lowest credential needed by a graduating student in order to obtain an entry level position as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These two year programs supply advanced design training after attaining the Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees provide choices in specialty majors in general areas such as residential bathrooms or business offices. A number of students enroll to improve their skills to be more competitive in the job market.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctorate programs are largely for those professionals who want to teach interior design at a university or college level. The degree programs differ in length but are usually 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 schools become licensed. In some instances, 2 or more years of field experience may be required before an applicant can sit for the licensing exam.

Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Colleges

After you have chosen the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the task of evaluating your school options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the college has to be within driving distance from your Laguna Niguel CA residence. Naturally if you are interested in attending a school online, or are able to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will decrease your choices also. But choosing the cheapest school or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you should look at also, including the reputation and accreditation of the program. Following are a few concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are reviewing to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you compare and ultimately pick the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's essential to confirm that the interior design college and program that you select has been accredited by either a regional or national agency. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive evaluation of their programs and instructors. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are outstanding, it might also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, many Laguna Niguel California employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.

Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in some of those States calling for licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required also. Therefore in addition to furnishing an outstanding education, the Laguna Niguel CA college you select should also provide the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum requirements for licensing for California or the State where you will be employed.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will probably need some support in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design field and its students are sought after. It might also indicate that the college has a sizable network of Laguna Niguel CA business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial assistance offices for the Laguna Niguel CA schools you are evaluating and find out what kind of aid they provide. Many of interior designer colleges offer financial assistance to their incoming students. Various schools offer partial scholarships while others provide help in obtaining grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you may receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Laguna Niguel CA schools you are looking at what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Laguna Niguel home, visit the school and sit in on a few classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior design program you select offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Laguna Niguel CA, confirm that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, confirm that is an option also. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.

Choose the Best Interior Design School near Laguna Niguel California

Picking the ideal interior design college is a critical initial step toward launching your career in this artistic and gratifying occupation. Finding a college where you will obtain your training and cultivate your talents in a particular area of study is a daunting job no matter what field you have selected. As with any undertaking to attain an advanced education, there are several things to think about before choosing a course, program or school. At a minimum, check that the program and design college are both accredited and highly regarded in the business. But it is still imperative that you perform your due diligence research. By doing so and following the remaining suggestions presented in this article, you will be able to properly assess and compare interior design colleges so that you can make the right ultimate selection. And with excellent training and your desire to succeed, you can accomplish your goal of becoming an interior designer in Laguna Niguel California.