How to Select the Best Interior Designer Degree Program

Once you have decided to enroll in an interior designer college near Westmont CA, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. Even if you have always had a talent for designing commercial or residential interiors, it's imperative that you receive the proper training to put your skills to work. And since some states do require that interior designers become 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 appropriate research in order to assess and compare each school that you are considering before you make your final decision. But exactly where do you start? Some potential students will begin their research by looking for interior design courses near their home and then comparing tuition expenses. While location and cost are relevant factors when making a determination, they should not be the sole ones. Qualifiers such as accreditation and reputation must be taken into account as well. We will cover those issues and other important 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 available.

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Interior Design vs Interior Decoration

Often people mistake interior design for interior decoration. The key distinction between them is the amount of training required. Anyone can work as an interior decorator if they possess a general knowledge of or a skill for decorating interior spaces. However, doing business as an interior designer requires a formal education and in numerous states one must have an accredited Bachelor's or Associate Degree and be licensed. Interior designers are educated to make work or living spaces functional as well as attractive. On some occasions they may work together with building engineers and architects. There are two general categories that an interior designer in Westmont 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 can specialize in designing one specific room, for example kitchens or bathrooms.
• Commercial Designing. When dealing with commercial or public areas, designers frequently focus predominantly on either aesthetic appeal or functionality 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 banks and hospitals may focus more on functionality over looks as the primary concern.

There are numerous areas of residential and commercial interior design that a designer must 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 produce their visions. From selecting wall paper and carpeting to integrating Feng shui principles, Westmont California interior designers implement a wide variety of skills that contribute to their ultimate designs.
 

Interior Designer Training Programs

There are four degree options available in interior design to acquire the training needed to begin your new career in Westmont CA. Your choice will no doubt be influenced by your career goals as well as the money and time that you have budgeted to commit to your education. But regardless of which degree program you decide 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) exam required in some states. More will be covered on additional accreditation benefits later. Following are short explanations of the interior design degrees that are available.

• Associate Degree. Associate degrees in interior design provide the minimum amount of training required to enter the profession. They take approximately two years to complete and programs are offered at a number of California vocational schools and community colleges. Graduates can usually qualify for entry level positions as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are four year programs that furnish more comprehensive training than the Associate Degree. They cover the creative and technical facets of the trade needed to become a designer. They are the lowest degree needed by a graduating student in order to secure an entry level position as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These two year programs supply advanced training in design after acquiring a Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees provide choices in specialized majors for such things as residential bathrooms or business offices. Many students enroll to advance their skills to be more competitive in their careers.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctorate programs are mainly for those professionals who desire to teach interior design at a university or college level. The degree programs differ in length but are usually completed in three to five years.

To work professionally 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 called for before a candidate can take the licensing examination.

Interior Designer Online Classes

For students who wish to study in the comfort of their Westmont CA homes, there are accredited online interior design degrees. Studying online can be an excellent alternative for those students that are working or have hectic schedules that make attending classes on campus problematic. Classes can instead be accessed on a home computer or laptop when practical for the student. For many students online colleges may be the sole alternative if no interior design colleges are within commuting distance. And as an additional benefit, the tuition may be lower than for more traditional options. Added expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated also. Just make sure that the program you enroll in is accredited by a respected accrediting agency, such as the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (more on accreditation later). Online colleges may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. If you have the discipline to obtain your degree without the confines of a physical classroom setting, then an online interior design program may be the right alternative for you.

Subjects to Ask Interior Design Colleges

Now that you have selected the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can start the process of assessing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the college has to be within commuting distance from your Westmont CA home. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will limit your choices as well. But choosing the most affordable college or the one that is closest to your house are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other factors that you need to look at also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the school. Below are a list of questions that you may want to address with the schools you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you compare and ultimately pick the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior designer program and college that you enroll in has been accredited by either a regional or national agency. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment of their instructors and programs. Just make sure that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are outstanding, it may also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Westmont California employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.

Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited program. And in several of those States calling for licensing, a minimum of 2 years of work experience may be required also. So aside from furnishing an excellent education, the Westmont CA college you select should also provide the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with the minimum licensing requirements for California or the State where you will be employed.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will probably want some help in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If so, 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 graduates are in demand. It may also indicate that the school has a substantial network of Westmont CA business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Available? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Westmont CA schools you are reviewing and ask what type of aid they offer. Many of interior design colleges offer financial assistance to their new students. Some colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide support in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Small 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 Westmont CA schools you are looking at what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Westmont home, visit the college and monitor a few classes. While there speak with a few 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 Fit your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design program you choose offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Westmont CA, make certain that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.

Enroll in the Right Interior Design School near Westmont California

Choosing the right interior design program is a critical first step toward launching your career in this artistic and rewarding profession. Finding a school where you will obtain your training and cultivate your skills in a particular area of study is a challenging job regardless of what field you have chosen. As with any undertaking to attain an advanced education, there are several factors to consider before enrolling in a course, program or school. At a minimum, make sure that the program and design college are both accredited and highly respected in the field. However it is still essential that you complete your due diligence research. By doing so and following the balance of the 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 excellent training and your desire to succeed, you can achieve your goal of becoming an interior designer in Westmont California.