How to Enroll in the Right Interior Designer Degree Program

Now that you have decided to enroll in an interior design degree program near Norwalk 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 spaces, it's imperative that you obtain the right training to put your talents to work. And since some states do require that interior designers be licensed, depending on your state of residence you may need training to pass a licensing examination also. So it's crucial that you do the proper research so that you can evaluate and compare each college that you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision. But where do you begin? A number of prospective students will begin their research by looking for interior design programs near their residence and then comparing tuition expenses. While location and cost are relevant factors when making a determination, they should not be the sole ones. Qualifications such as reputation and accreditation must be taken into consideration also. We will discuss those issues and other vital questions that you should be asking the interior design schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's talk a little bit more about what interior design is and what degree and class choices are offered.

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Interior Decoration and Interior Design

Many people confuse interior design for interior decoration. The principal distinction between them is the level of training required. Anyone can do business as an interior decorator if they possess a general knowledge of or a talent for decorating interior areas. However, working as an interior designer requires formal training and in many states one must have an accredited Associate or Bachelor's Degree as well as be licensed. Interior designers are trained to make work or living areas functional as well as attractive. On many projects they may team up with building engineers and architects. There are 2 general categories that an interior designer in Norwalk CA can specialize in:

• Residential Designing. Interior Designers frequently work on existing homes as well as new construction. They can design essentially any room of a house, including bedrooms, basements and closets. Or they may specialize in designing one specific room, such as kitchens or bathrooms.
• Commercial Design. When dealing with commercial or public areas, designers normally focus primarily on either aesthetic appeal or functionality but pay attention to 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 looks as the main concern.

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

Interior Design Degree Options

There are 4 degree alternatives available in interior design to acquire the training required to start your new profession in Norwalk 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 decide to enroll in, make certain to choose one that is accredited. Accreditation is needed in order to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination mandated in a number of states. More will be covered on additional benefits of accreditation later. Following are short descriptions of the interior design degrees that are available.

• Associate Degree. Associate degrees in interior design supply the minimum level of education needed to enter the field. They take about 2 years to complete and programs are offered at numerous California vocational schools and community colleges. Graduates can commonly qualify for 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 deal with the technical and creative components 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 furnish advanced design training after attaining a Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees provide options in specialized majors in general areas such as business offices or residential bathrooms. A number of students enroll to enhance 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 university or college level. The programs vary in length but are normally completed in three to five years.

To work professionally and adopt the title of "Interior Designer", many states mandate that graduates of accredited degree programs become licensed. In several instances, 2 or more years of professional experience may be called for before a candidate can take the licensing exam.

Why Become an Interior Designer?

There are many options available to you once you graduate and enter the field of interior design.  If you’ve got an entrepreneurial spirit you may become self-employed and open your own interior design shop. You might also work for a small or larger design firm. Designers have careers creating interiors for businesses, hospitals, government buildings, as well as private residences. Rarely is a design career a 9 to 5 job. You’ll need to be flexible, patient, and persistent to get your career off the ground. But you will have the opportunity to earn an attractive income as well as the personal satisfaction of creating beautiful living and working spaces.

Questions to Ask Interior Design Schools

When you have decided on the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the school has to be within commuting distance from your Norwalk CA residence. Of course if you have decided on attending an online school, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will narrow down your choices also. But selecting the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to your house are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you need to look at also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the college. Following are a list of questions that you may want to ask the schools you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others in order to help you compare and subsequently choose the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's imperative 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 respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive evaluation of their teachers and programs. Just make sure that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are exceptional, it might also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Norwalk California employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.

Does the College Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited program. And in several of those States calling for licensing, at least 2 years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore in addition to providing an excellent education, the Norwalk CA program you enroll in should also furnish the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with 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 earned your interior design certification, you will probably need some help in finding your first job. Ask the schools 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 indication that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design trade and its graduates are in demand. It may also indicate that the college has a significant network of Norwalk CA business connections where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Available? Get in touch with the financial aid departments for the Norwalk CA schools you are looking at and ask what kind of assistance they provide. A number of interior design schools offer financial aid to their new students. Various schools offer partial scholarships and others provide assistance in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Large are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Norwalk CA schools you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Norwalk home, visit the school and attend a few classes. While there talk with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design program you select provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Norwalk CA, verify that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, verify that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.

Enroll in the Best Interior Design College near Norwalk California

Choosing the ideal interior designer school is a critical first step toward launching your career in this artistic and rewarding occupation. Locating a school where you will receive your education and cultivate your talents in a specific area of study is a daunting job no matter what major you have chosen. As with any endeavor to acquire an advanced education, there are a number of things to think about before enrolling in a school, program, or course. At a minimum, check that the program and design college are both accredited and highly respected in the business. But it is still essential that you perform your due diligence analysis. By doing so and following the balance of the recommendations presented in this article, you will be able to properly evaluate and compare interior design programs 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 Norwalk California.