How to Choose the Right Interior Design Program

Once you have decided to enroll in an interior design school near Wauwatosa WI, 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 proper training to put your talents to work. And since some states do mandate that interior designers be licensed, based upon your state of residence you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam as well. So it's essential that you carry out the proper research in order to analyze and compare each college that you are reviewing before you make your ultimate selection. But where do you begin? A number of future students will begin their research by searching for interior design colleges near their residence and then comparing tuition expenses. While location and cost are important variables when making a determination, they are by no means the only ones. Qualifications such as accreditation and reputation need to be considered also. We will address those topics and other vital questions that you must ask the interior design schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, 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

Often people confuse interior design for interior decoration. The primary distinction between them is the amount of education required. Anyone can do business as an interior decorator if they have a general knowledge of or a skill for decorating interior spaces. However, working as an interior designer requires a formal education and in many states one must have an accredited Bachelor's or Associate Degree and be licensed. Interior designers are taught to make work or living areas functional as well as attractive. On many occasions they may collaborate with building engineers and architects. There are two broad categories that an interior designer in Wauwatosa WI can specialize in:

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

There are several areas of residential and commercial interior design that a designer needs to learn, such as 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, Wauwatosa Wisconsin interior designers implement a wide variety of skills that help bring about their ultimate designs.
 

Interior Designer Degree Options

There are 4 degree alternatives available in interior design to receive the training necessary to launch your new career in Wauwatosa WI. Your selection will no doubt be driven by your career objectives as well as the money and time that you have to commit to your education. But no matter which degree program you decide to enroll in, make sure to pick one that is accredited. Accreditation is needed in order to qualify for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam required in some states. More will be discussed on additional benefits of accreditation later. Below are short explanations of the interior design degrees that are available.

• Associate Degree. Associate degrees in interior design provide the minimum amount of education required to enter the field. They take approximately 2 years to complete and programs are available at numerous Wisconsin vocational schools and community colleges. Graduates can commonly obtain entry level jobs as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are 4 year programs that deliver more extensive training than the Associate Degree. They deal with the creative and technical components of the trade needed 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 two year programs furnish advanced design training after attaining a Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees provide alternatives in specialized majors in general areas such as business offices or residential bathrooms. Many students enroll to improve their skills to be more competitive in the job market.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctorate degrees are mostly for those professionals who want to teach interior design at a college or university level. The degree programs differ in length but are typically completed in three to five years.

In order to work as a professional and use the title of "Interior Designer", a number of states mandate that graduates of accredited schools become licensed. In some instances, two or more years of field experience may be called for before an applicant can take the licensing exam.

What to Ask Interior Designer Schools

Now that you have selected the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can start the process of reviewing your school options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the campus needs to be within commuting distance from your Wauwatosa WI home. Of course if you have decided on attending an online school, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will narrow down your choices also. But picking the least expensive college or the one that is closest to home are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you should look at as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the program. 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 to help you assess and subsequently select the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior design school and program that you choose has been accredited by 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). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding evaluation of their programs and instructors. Just verify 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 school and the quality of the education are excellent, it might also help when securing financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Wauwatosa Wisconsin employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.

Does the College Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited program. And in some of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of professional experience may be required also. So aside from providing an excellent education, the Wauwatosa WI college you enroll in should also furnish the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum requirements for licensing for Wisconsin or the State where you will be employed.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some help in finding your first job. Ask the programs 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 profession and its students are in demand. It could also signify that the school has a sizable network of Wauwatosa WI business connections where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Wauwatosa WI colleges you are evaluating and ask what kind of assistance they offer. Many of interior designer colleges offer financial assistance to their new students. Some schools provide partial scholarships and others provide help in obtaining grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Big are the Classes? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive little individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Wauwatosa WI colleges you are reviewing what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Wauwatosa home, visit the college and attend 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 styles are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior design school you select offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Wauwatosa WI, verify that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, verify that is an option also. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.

Choose the Best Interior Designer College near Wauwatosa Wisconsin

Choosing the right interior designer college is a crucial first step toward starting your career in this artistic and rewarding profession. Finding a college where you will obtain your training and cultivate your talents in a specific area of study is a daunting task no matter what field you have selected. As with any endeavor to attain an advanced education, there are a number of things to consider before enrolling in a school, program, or course. At a minimum, confirm that the design college and program are both accredited and highly esteemed in the field. However it is still important that you perform your due diligence research. By doing so and following the remaining suggestions presented in this article, you will be able to properly assess and compare interior design colleges so that you can make the ideal final selection. And with superior training and your drive to succeed, you can achieve your goal of becoming an interior designer in Wauwatosa Wisconsin.