How to Enroll in the Best Interior Designer College

Now that you have made a decision to enroll in an interior design school near Lynwood CA, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. Even if you have always had a talent for designing residential or commercial interiors, it's important that you obtain the right training to put your natural abilities to work. And since several states do mandate that interior designers become licensed, based upon your state of residence you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam as well. So it's vital that you perform the proper research in order to evaluate and compare each college that you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate choice. But where do you start? Many future students will launch their research by looking for interior design courses near their home and then comparing tuition expenses. While cost and location are important factors when making a determination, they are by no means the sole ones. Qualifiers such as accreditation and reputation need to be taken into account also. We will address those topics and other crucial questions that you must ask 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 training alternatives are offered.

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Interior Decoration compared to Interior Design

Some people confuse interior design for interior decoration. The main difference between them is the amount of training required. Any person can do business as an interior decorator if they have a general knowledge of or a skill for decorating interior spaces. However, working as an interior designer necessitates formal training and in numerous states one must have an accredited Associate or Bachelor's Degree as well as be licensed. Interior designers are taught to make living or work spaces attractive as well as functional. On various projects they may collaborate with architects and building engineers. There are two general categories that an interior designer in Lynwood CA can specialize in:

• Residential Design. Interior Designers frequently work on existing homes as well as new construction. 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 bathrooms or kitchens.
• Commercial Designing. When working on commercial or public areas, designers frequently focus predominantly 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 stressed over function. Designs for banks and hospitals might focus more on functionality over appearance as the primary consideration.

There are many areas of commercial and residential interior design that a designer needs to learn, for example lighting, color schemes, acoustics and furniture. Designers have to be able to use graphic design and read blue prints in order to create their visions. From picking carpeting and wall paper to including Feng shui concepts, Lynwood California interior designers utilize a wide variety of skills that help bring about their final designs.
 

Interior Design Degrees

There are 4 degree options available in interior design to acquire the training needed to start your new profession in Lynwood CA. Your selection will no doubt be motivated by your career goals as well as the money and time that you have to commit to your education. But regardless of which degree program you opt to enroll in, make certain to select one that is accredited. Accreditation is needed in order to qualify for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination required in several states. More will be covered on additional benefits of accreditation later. Below are short descriptions of the interior design degrees that are offered.

• Associate Degree. Interior Design Associate Degrees supply the minimum amount of training required to enter the field. They take about 2 years to complete and programs are available at a number of California trade schools and junior colleges. Graduates can commonly qualify for entry level employment as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are 4 year programs that furnish more extensive training than the Associate Degree. They cover the creative and technical aspects of the business required to become a designer. They are the minimum degree needed by a graduating student in order to obtain an entry level position as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These 2 year programs supply advanced training in design after attaining the Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees provide alternatives in specialty majors in general areas such as business offices or residential bathrooms. Many students enroll to advance their skills to be more competitive in the job market.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctorate programs are primarily for those professionals who want to teach interior design at a college or university level. The programs differ in length but are typically completed in three to five 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 some instances, two or more years of professional experience may be required before an applicant can sit for the licensing exam.

Subjects to Ask Interior Design Programs

Once you have decided on the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the process of assessing your school options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the college must be within commuting distance from your Lynwood CA residence. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are able to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will limit your options as well. But choosing the cheapest school or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you should consider as well, such as the accreditation and reputation of the school. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to ask the schools you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you compare and subsequently pick the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior designer program and college that you select has earned accreditation from either a national or regional agency. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous 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 establish that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are outstanding, it may also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Lynwood California employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited school. And in some of those States mandating licensing, at least 2 years of occupational experience may be required also. So in addition to furnishing an exceptional education, the Lynwood CA college you enroll in should also furnish the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum requirements for licensing for California or the State where you will be employed.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and received your interior design certification, you will no doubt need some support in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent sign that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design field and its graduates are in demand. It might also signify that the college has a significant network of Lynwood CA business connections where they can place students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Lynwood CA schools you are reviewing and ask what kind of assistance they offer. A number of interior designer programs offer financial assistance to their new students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in obtaining grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited college is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Lynwood CA colleges you are considering what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Lynwood home, visit the campus and monitor a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior designer program you select offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Lynwood CA, confirm that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, verify that is an option also. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.

Choose the Right Interior Designer Program near Lynwood California

Selecting the right interior design college is a crucial first step toward launching your career in this creative and rewarding profession. Finding a college where you will receive your education and develop your talents in a particular area of study is a challenging task no matter what field you have selected. As with any undertaking to acquire an advanced education, there are several factors to consider before selecting a program, course or school. At a minimum, verify that the design college and program are both accredited and highly respected in the field. However it is still important that you carry out your due diligence analysis. By doing so and following the rest of the recommendations presented in this article, you will be able to properly review and compare interior design programs so that you can make the appropriate ultimate selection. And with quality training and your desire to succeed, you can achieve your goal of becoming an interior designer in Lynwood California.