How to Choose the Best Interior Design Degree Program

Now that you have decided to enroll in an interior design college near Lake Elsinore CA, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. Even if you have always had a gift for designing commercial or residential interiors, it's essential that you receive the appropriate training to put your talents to work. And since a number of states do mandate that interior designers become licensed, depending on your state of residence you could need training to pass a licensing exam also. So it's essential that you carry out the proper research so that you can assess and compare each program that you are considering before you make your final choice. But exactly where do you start? Some future students will kick off their research by looking for interior design schools near their home and then comparing tuition costs. While location and cost are key variables when making a determination, they are by no means the only ones. Qualifiers such as reputation and accreditation need to be considered as well. We will cover those issues and other crucial questions that you should be asking the interior design schools you are looking at 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 vs Interior Design

Some people confuse interior design for interior decoration. The primary distinction between them 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, working as an interior designer necessitates formal training and in numerous states one must have an accredited Bachelor's or Associate Degree and be licensed. Interior designers are educated to make work or residential spaces attractive as well as functional. On many projects they may collaborate with architects and building engineers. There are 2 broad categories that an interior designer in Lake Elsinore CA can specialize in:

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

There are many areas of residential and commercial interior design that a designer must learn, such as color schemes, lighting, furniture and acoustics. They need 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 concepts, Lake Elsinore California interior designers implement a wide range of skills that contribute to their final creations.
 

Interior Designer Training Programs

There are 4 degree options offered in interior design to acquire the training needed to begin your new career in Lake Elsinore CA. Your choice will undoubtedly be motivated by your career goals as well as the money and time that you have budgeted to devote to your education. But no matter which degree program you choose to enroll in, make certain to select one that is accredited. Accreditation is needed in order to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination mandated in several states. More will be discussed on additional benefits of accreditation later. Following are short explanations of the interior design degrees that are available.

• Associate Degree. Interior Design Associate Degrees provide the minimum level of education required to enter the field. They take about 2 years to complete and programs are available at numerous California vocational schools and community colleges. Graduates can normally obtain entry level jobs as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are four year programs that deliver more comprehensive training than the Associate Degree. They cover the technical and creative components of the business needed to become a designer. They are the minimum degree needed by a college graduate in order to obtain an entry level position as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These 2 year programs supply advanced design training after attaining the Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees offer alternatives in specialized majors in general areas such as residential bathrooms or business offices. Many students enroll to improve their skills to be more competitive in their careers.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctoral 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 typically completed in three to five years.

To work professionally and use the title of "Interior Designer", many 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.

Questions to Ask Interior Design Schools

Once you have chosen the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can start the task of analyzing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the college has to be within driving distance from your Lake Elsinore CA residence. Naturally if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will limit your choices also. But selecting the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to your house are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you need to look at also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a few questions that you may want to address with the programs you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others to help you assess and subsequently pick the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the interior designer school and program that you enroll in has been accredited by either a regional or national 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 a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and programs. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are outstanding, it may also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, many Lake Elsinore California employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the Program Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States requiring licensing, 2 or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. Therefore in addition to providing an outstanding education, the Lake Elsinore CA program you enroll in should also provide the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with the minimum licensing requirements for California or the State where you will be working.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will no doubt want some help 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 a good indication that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It might also indicate that the school has a significant network of Lake Elsinore CA business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Offered? Contact the financial aid departments for the Lake Elsinore CA colleges you are looking at and ask what kind of support they provide. Many of interior design schools offer financial assistance to their new students. Certain schools offer partial scholarships and others provide help in acquiring grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Lake Elsinore CA schools you are considering what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Lake Elsinore home, visit the college and attend a few classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior designer program you choose offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Lake Elsinore CA, make sure that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, check 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 Program near Lake Elsinore California

Choosing the ideal interior designer school is an important initial step toward starting your career in this artistic and gratifying occupation. Searching for a school where you will receive your training and cultivate your talents in a specific area of study is a difficult task regardless of what major you have selected. As with any undertaking to acquire a higher education, there are several things to think about before enrolling in a school, program, or course. At a minimum, confirm that the program and design college are both accredited and highly esteemed in the profession. But it is still imperative that you conduct your due diligence research. By doing so and following the balance of the recommendations provided in this article, you will be able to effectively assess and compare interior design schools so that you can make the right final selection. And with excellent training and your determination to succeed, you can achieve your goal of becoming an interior designer in Lake Elsinore California.