How to Select the Best Interior Designer Degree Program

Once you have decided to enroll in an interior design college near Rubidoux 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 essential that you receive the proper training to put your talents to work. And since a number of 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 carry out the proper research in order to analyze and compare each program that you are looking at before you make your final choice. But where do you begin? Some future students will start their research by looking for interior design programs near their home and then comparing tuition costs. While cost and location are key factors when making a decision, they should not be the only ones. Qualifiers such as reputation and accreditation should be taken into account also. We will discuss those topics and other important questions that you should be asking the interior design schools you are researching later in this article. But before we do, let's talk a little bit more about what interior design is and what degree and training options are offered.

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Interior Decoration vs Interior Design

Often people mistake interior design for interior decoration. The primary difference between the two is the amount of training required. Any person can work as an interior decorator if they have a basic knowledge of or a talent for decorating interior spaces. On the other hand, doing business as an interior designer necessitates formal training and in a number of states one must have an accredited Associate or Bachelor's Degree and be licensed. Interior designers are trained to make work or residential spaces attractive as well as functional. On some projects they may work together with building engineers and architects. There are two general areas that an interior designer in Rubidoux CA can specialize in:

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

There are numerous areas of commercial and residential interior design that a designer must learn, including color schemes, lighting, acoustics and furniture. They need to be able to read blue prints and use graphic design in order to produce their visions. From selecting wall paper and carpeting to including Feng shui principles, Rubidoux California interior designers implement a wide range of skills that help bring about their final designs.
 

Interior Design Training Programs

There are 4 degree options available in interior design to acquire the training required to launch your new career in Rubidoux CA. Your selection will undoubtedly be motivated by your career objectives as well as the money and time that you have budgeted to invest in your education. But no matter which degree program you choose to enroll in, make certain to pick one that is accredited. Accreditation is required in order to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination mandated in some states. More will be discussed 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 furnish the minimum amount of training needed to enter the profession. They take approximately two years to finish and programs are offered at a number of California community colleges and vocational schools. Graduates can typically qualify for entry level positions 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 creative and technical facets of the trade required to become a designer. They are the minimum credential needed by a graduating student in order to secure an entry level position as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These two year programs furnish advanced training in design after achieving the Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees provide choices in specialized majors for such things as business offices or residential bathrooms. A number of students enroll to improve their skills to be more competitive in the job market.
• 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 normally completed in three to five years.

In order to work professionally and adopt the title of "Interior Designer", many states mandate that graduates of accredited colleges become licensed. In some instances, two or more years of field experience may be needed before a candidate can sit for the licensing examination.

Topics to Ask Interior Design Schools

After you have chosen the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of assessing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the campus needs to be within commuting distance from your Rubidoux CA residence. Obviously if you are interested in attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will narrow down your options as well. But picking the cheapest school or the one that is closest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you need to look at as well, such as the accreditation and reputation of the program. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask the programs you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you examine and ultimately pick the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior design college and program that you enroll in has earned accreditation from 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 receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous assessment of their teachers and programs. Just verify that both the degree program and the college 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 education are excellent, it may also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Rubidoux California employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do require 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, 2 or more years of work experience may be required also. Therefore besides furnishing an excellent education, the Rubidoux CA college you choose should also furnish the proper education 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 School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will probably need some help in finding your first job. Ask the colleges 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 a good indication that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design field and its graduates are in demand. It may also indicate that the college has a substantial network of Rubidoux CA business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Available? Contact the financial aid offices for the Rubidoux CA schools you are evaluating and find out what type of support they provide. Many of interior designer colleges provide financial assistance to their new students. Various colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Rubidoux CA schools you are considering what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Rubidoux home, visit the college and attend a few classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior designer college you enroll in offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Rubidoux CA, confirm that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, check that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.

Choose the Best Interior Design College near Rubidoux California

Picking the right interior design college is a crucial first step toward launching your career in this artistic and gratifying occupation. Locating a school where you will obtain your training and develop your skills in a specific area of study is a daunting job regardless of what major you have selected. As with any undertaking to attain an advanced education, there are many factors to think about before selecting a program, course or school. At a minimum, make sure that the program and design school are both accredited and highly respected in the profession. But it is still essential that you perform your due diligence research. By doing so and following the balance of the recommendations presented in this article, you will be able to effectively review and compare interior design programs so that you can make the right ultimate selection. And with quality training and your desire to succeed, you can reach your goal of becoming an interior designer in Rubidoux California.