Interior Designer Degree Program
How to Select the Best One Near Huntsville Alabama

So it’s time to begin the process of selecting an interior design school near Huntsville AL now that you have made a career choice to become an interior designer. It's important that you get the appropriate training to put your skills to work, even if you have always had a knack for designing residential or commercial interiors. And because interior designers are licensed in a number of states, the school you select should prep you to pass any required licensing exam as well as provide the necessary training for your specialty. So it's crucial you do the proper research so that you can assess and compare each program that you are looking at before you make your final selection. But just how do you go about finding the right school? When looking for interior design schools, many potential students begin by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. While location and cost are key variables when making a decision, they are by no means the only ones. There are several other factors that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. We will discuss those issues and other crucial 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 about the degree and class alternatives are offered.

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Interior Designer Degrees

There are four degree options offered in interior design to acquire the training required to begin your new career in Huntsville AL. Your choice will undoubtedly be motivated by your career objectives as well as the time and money that you have to invest in your education. But regardless of which degree program you decide to enroll in, be sure to select one that is accredited. Accreditation is mandated in order to qualify for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination required in several states. More will be covered on additional benefits of accreditation later. Following are brief descriptions of the interior design degrees that are offered.

• Associate Degree. Associate degrees in interior design provide the minimum amount of training required to enter the field. They take roughly 2 years to finish and programs are available at numerous Alabama community colleges and vocational schools. Graduates can usually obtain entry level jobs 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 components of the business required to become a designer. They are the lowest degree needed by a college graduate 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 attaining a Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees provide alternatives in specialty majors in general areas such as residential bathrooms or business offices. A number of students enroll to advance their skills to be more competitive in the job market.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctoral programs are largely for those professionals who desire to teach interior design at a college or university level. The degree programs differ in length but are normally completed in 3 to 5 years.

In order to work professionally and adopt the title of "Interior Designer", a number of states mandate that graduates of accredited colleges become licensed. In some instances, 2 or more years of field experience may be needed before a candidate can take the licensing exam.

Interior Designer Online Degree Programs

For students who to study in the comfort of their Huntsville AL homes, there are online accredited interior design colleges. Studying online can be a good option for those students that are employed or have busy schedules that make attending classes on campus problematic. Classes can instead be accessed on a laptop or a personal computer when practical for the student. For many students online colleges may be the only option if no interior design schools are within commuting distance. And as an additional benefit, the tuition may be cheaper than for more traditional options. Added costs for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated also. Just be sure that the college you pick is accredited by a respected accrediting agency, such as the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (more on accreditation later). Online programs may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. If you have the discipline to acquire your degree without the structure of a physical classroom setting, then an online interior design school may be the ideal alternative for you.

What to Ask Interior Designer Schools

Once you have chosen the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can start the process of assessing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the school needs to be within driving distance from your Huntsville AL residence. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will narrow down your choices also. But choosing the cheapest college or the one that is closest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you should look at also, including the accreditation and reputation of the school. Following are a list of questions that you may want to address with the colleges you are looking at to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you assess and subsequently choose the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the interior designer school and program that you select has earned accreditation from either a national or regional organization. One of the most respected in the field 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 organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are outstanding, it may also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Huntsville AL employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.

Does the Program Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in several of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of work experience may be required as well. Therefore aside from furnishing an excellent education, the Huntsville AL college you choose should also provide the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ examination and meet the minimum licensing requirements for Alabama or the State where you will be working.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and earned 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 so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design trade and its graduates are sought after. It could also signify that the school has a sizable network of Huntsville AL business connections where they can place students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Huntsville AL schools you are evaluating and find out what type of aid they offer. A number of interior designer programs offer financial assistance to their incoming students. Various schools offer partial scholarships and others provide assistance in securing grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited school is imperative 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 Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Huntsville AL colleges you are looking at what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Huntsville home, visit the campus and sit in on a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make sure that the interior design college you choose provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Huntsville AL, make certain that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an option as well. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.

Find Out More About Studying to Become an Interior Designer in Huntsville

Enroll in the Best Huntsville Interior Design School

Picking the right interior designer program is an important initial step toward starting your career in this artistic and fulfilling profession. Locating a school where you will obtain your training and cultivate your skills in a particular area of study is a daunting job regardless of what field you have selected. As with any endeavor to receive a higher education, there are many factors to think about before enrolling in a program, course or school. At a minimum, verify that the program and design college are both accredited and highly regarded in the field. It is still essential that you complete your due diligence analysis. By doing so and following the remaining recommendations provided in this article, you will be able to properly assess and compare interior design schools so that you can make the right ultimate selection. And with quality training and your determination to succeed, you can reach your goal of becoming an interior designer in Huntsville Alabama.

 

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