How to Pick the Right Interior Design College

Now that you have decided to enroll in an interior designer degree program near Mountain View CA, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. Even if you have always had a talent for designing residential or commercial interiors, it's imperative that you obtain the right training to put your skills to work. And since several states do require that interior designers become licensed, depending on your state of residence you may need training to pass a licensing exam also. So it's vital that you do the appropriate research in order to analyze and compare each program that you are considering prior to making your final choice. But exactly where do you begin? Many future students will begin their research by looking for interior design courses near their home and then comparing tuition costs. While location and cost are key factors when making a determination, they are by no means the sole ones. Qualifications such as accreditation and reputation need to be taken into account as well. We will cover those topics and other vital 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 class alternatives are available.

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Interior Decoration compared to Interior Design

Some people confuse interior decoration for interior design. The main difference between the two is the level of education required. Any person can work as an interior decorator if they possess a general knowledge of or a skill for decorating interior areas. However, working as an interior designer necessitates a formal education and in numerous states one must have an accredited Bachelor's or Associate Degree as well as be licensed. Interior designers are educated to make work or living areas functional as well as attractive. On many projects they may work together with architects and building engineers. There are 2 general categories that an interior designer in Mountain View CA may specialize in:

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

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

Interior Designer Degree Options

There are 4 degree options available in interior design to acquire the training needed to launch your new career in Mountain View CA. Your decision will no doubt be motivated by your career objectives in addition to the money and time that you have budgeted to invest in your education. But regardless of which degree program you opt to enroll in, make sure to pick one that is accredited. Accreditation is required in order to qualify for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination mandated in some states. More will be addressed on additional benefits of accreditation later. Below are brief explanations of the interior design degrees that are available.

• Associate Degree. Interior Design Associate Degrees supply the minimum level of training required to enter the field. They take approximately 2 years to complete and programs are available at a number of California community colleges and vocational schools. Graduates can usually qualify for entry level employment as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are 4 year programs that provide more extensive training than the Associate Degree. They deal with the technical and creative components of the trade needed to become a designer. They are the lowest 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 design training after acquiring the Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees provide choices in specialized majors in general areas such as residential bathrooms or business offices. A number of students enroll to advance their skills to be more competitive in their careers.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctorate degrees are primarily 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 use the title of "Interior Designer", many states mandate that graduates of accredited degree programs become licensed. In some instances, two or more years of field experience may be required before a candidate can take the licensing examination.

Subjects to Ask Interior Design Schools

Now that you have selected the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of reviewing your college options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the campus needs to be within commuting distance from your Mountain View CA home. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will limit your choices also. But choosing the least expensive school or the one that is closest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you need to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the program. Following are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the colleges you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others to help you examine and subsequently select the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the interior designer program and school that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a regional or national agency. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding 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 recognized accrediting agency. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are exceptional, it may also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Mountain View California employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.

Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some 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 college. And in several of those States mandating licensing, 2 or more years of work experience may be required also. So besides providing an excellent education, the Mountain View CA college you enroll in should also provide the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill 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 no doubt want some help in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are looking at if they have a job placement program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design trade and its students are sought after. It could also signify that the college has a large network of Mountain View CA business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Mountain View CA colleges you are reviewing and ask what type of support they provide. Many of interior design schools provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Certain colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide help in obtaining grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Big are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Mountain View CA colleges you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Mountain View home, visit the campus and sit in on a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior designer school you select offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Mountain View CA, verify that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, check that is an option also. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Choose the Best Interior Design Program near Mountain View California

Selecting the right interior design school is a critical initial step toward launching your career in this creative and rewarding profession. Searching for a school where you will receive your education and develop your skills in a particular area of study is a daunting task regardless of what major you have chosen. As with any endeavor to acquire an advanced education, there are many things to consider before choosing a program, course or school. At a minimum, check that the program and design college are both accredited and highly regarded in the profession. But it is still important that you complete your due diligence research. By doing so and following the remaining recommendations provided in this article, you will be able to effectively review and compare interior design programs so that you can make the ideal ultimate selection. And with superior training and your drive to succeed, you can achieve your goal of becoming an interior designer in Mountain View California.