How to Find the Best Interior Design Degree Program

Once you have made a decision to enroll in an interior design school near Pleasant Hill CA, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. Even if you have always had a talent for designing residential or commercial interiors, it's imperative that you get the proper training to put your natural abilities to work. And since some states do mandate that interior designers be licensed, based upon your state of residence you could need preparation to pass a licensing exam also. So it's very important that you perform the appropriate research in order to analyze and compare each program that you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision. But exactly where do you start? Many prospective students will kick off their research by searching for interior design courses near their home and then comparing tuition expenses. While location and cost are important factors when making a decision, they are by no means the sole ones. Qualifications such as reputation and accreditation must be taken into consideration as well. We will cover those topics and other vital questions that you should be asking 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 options are offered.

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Interior Decoration compared to Interior Design

Some people confuse interior decoration for interior design. The principal difference between the two is the level of education required. Any person can do business as an interior decorator if they possess a general knowledge of or a skill for decorating interior spaces. On the other hand, 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 trained to make work or living spaces 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 Pleasant Hill CA may specialize in:

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

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

Interior Designer Degree Programs

There are 4 degree alternatives offered in interior design to obtain the training necessary to launch your new profession in Pleasant Hill CA. Your selection will undoubtedly be motivated by your career objectives as well as the time and money that you have to devote to your education. But no matter which degree program you choose to enroll in, make sure to select one that is accredited. Accreditation is required in order to qualify for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam mandated in a number of states. More will be addressed on additional benefits of accreditation later. Following are short descriptions of the interior design degrees that are offered.

• Associate Degree. Interior Design Associate Degrees supply the minimum level of education needed to enter the field. They take approximately two years to complete and programs are offered at numerous California community colleges and vocational schools. Graduates can typically qualify for entry level employment as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are four year programs that furnish more extensive training than the Associate Degree. They cover 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 two year programs provide advanced training in design after acquiring a 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 degree programs vary in length but are generally completed in 3 to 5 years.

To work professionally and use the title of "Interior Designer", many states require that graduates of accredited degree programs become licensed. In some instances, 2 or more years of professional experience may be called for before an applicant can sit for the licensing exam.

Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Programs

Once you have selected the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can start the task of assessing your school options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the campus must be within driving distance from your Pleasant Hill CA home. Naturally if you are interested in attending a school online, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will narrow down your choices also. But selecting the most affordable college or the one that is nearest to home are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you need to consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to ask the colleges you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you examine and subsequently select the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's imperative to make sure that the interior design program and college that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a national or regional organization. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment of their instructors and programs. Just verify 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 verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are exceptional, it might also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, many Pleasant Hill California employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the College Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate 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 calling for licensing, at least 2 years of professional experience may be required as well. Therefore besides furnishing an exceptional education, the Pleasant Hill CA school you enroll in should also furnish the proper training to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with the minimum requirements for licensing for California or the State where you will be working.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior designer certification, you will probably need some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are looking at if they have a job placement program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good indication that the school and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design trade and its students are in demand. It could also signify that the school has a sizable network of Pleasant Hill CA business relationships where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Available? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Pleasant Hill CA schools you are looking at and find out what type of aid they offer. Many of interior design schools offer financial aid to their new students. Various colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide help in acquiring federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Small are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Pleasant Hill CA colleges you are looking at what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Pleasant Hill home, visit the school and monitor a couple of classes. While there speak with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior design college you select provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Pleasant Hill CA, make certain that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, confirm that is an alternative as well. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Choose the Best Interior Designer Program near Pleasant Hill California

Choosing the right interior design program is an important first step toward launching your career in this artistic and rewarding profession. Finding a school where you will receive your training and cultivate your talents in a particular area of study is a challenging job regardless of what field you have chosen. As with any endeavor to attain an advanced education, there are many points to consider before selecting a course, program or school. At a minimum, verify that the design college and program are both accredited and highly respected in the business. However it is still imperative that you conduct your due diligence research. By doing so and following the remaining recommendations presented in this article, you will be able to properly evaluate and compare interior design colleges so that you can make the appropriate ultimate selection. And with excellent training and your desire to succeed, you can reach your goal of becoming an interior designer in Pleasant Hill California.