Interior Designer Course
How to Choose the Best One Near Opelika Alabama

So it’s time to begin the process of picking an interior design school near Opelika AL once you have made a career choice to study to be an interior designer. Even if you have always had a talent for designing residential or commercial spaces, it's essential that you receive the proper training to put your natural abilities to work. And since a number of states do require that interior designers become licensed, depending on your state of residence you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam as well. So in order to assess and compare each school you are considering before you make your ultimate selection it's very important that you carry out the proper due diligence. But just where do you begin? Some future students will begin their research by searching for interior design programs near their home and then comparing tuition costs. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Qualifications such as accreditation and reputation should be taken into consideration as well. We will discuss those topics and other crucial questions that you must ask the interior design schools you are researching later in this article. But before we do, let's talk a little bit about the degree and training options are offered.

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Interior Designer Degrees

There are four degree options offered in interior design to receive the training needed to launch your new career in Opelika AL. Your selection will undoubtedly be motivated by your career goals as well as the money and time that you have to commit to your education. But regardless of which degree program you choose to enroll in, make certain to choose one that is accredited. Accreditation is mandated in order to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam mandated in several states. More will be addressed on additional accreditation benefits later. Following are brief explanations of the interior design degrees that are available.

• Associate Degree. Interior Design Associate Degrees supply the minimum level of education required to enter the profession. They take about 2 years to finish and programs are offered at numerous Alabama trade schools and junior colleges. Graduates can normally obtain entry level employment as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are four year programs that provide 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 lowest degree needed by a graduating student in order to secure an entry level job as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These two year programs supply advanced design training after attaining a Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees offer options 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 mainly for those professionals who desire to teach interior design at a college or university level. The programs vary 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 degree programs become licensed. In some instances, 2 or more years of professional experience may be called for before a candidate can sit for the licensing examination.

Online Interior Designer Colleges

For anyone wishing' to attend classes in the convenience of their Opelika AL homes, there are accredited online interior design classes. Studying online can be a great alternative for those students that are employed or have hectic schedules that make going to classes on campus problematic. Classes can instead be accessed on a laptop or a personal computer when convenient for the student. For many students online programs may be the sole option if no interior design colleges are within driving distance. And as an added benefit, the tuition may be cheaper than for more traditional options. Additional expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated also. Just make certain that the college you select is accredited by a respected accrediting agency, such as the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (more on accreditation later). Online programs may also acquire accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. If you have the dedication to obtain your degree without the structure of a physical classroom environment, then an online interior design school may be the perfect option for you.

Subjects to Ask Interior Design Schools

Once you have decided on the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of analyzing your school options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the school must be within driving distance from your Opelika AL residence. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will limit your choices also. But picking the cheapest college or the one that is closest to home are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you should consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are considering to get those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and subsequently choose the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior design program and school that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a national or regional agency. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding evaluation of their programs and teachers. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. 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 applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Opelika AL employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.

Does the College Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in some of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore in addition to providing an excellent education, the Opelika AL school you select should also furnish the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum licensing requirements for Alabama or the State where you will be working.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are looking at 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 esteem within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It could also indicate that the school has a large network of Opelika AL business connections where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial aid offices for the Opelika AL schools you are reviewing and ask what kind of aid they provide. Many of interior designer programs offer financial aid to their incoming students. Some schools offer partial scholarships and others provide assistance in acquiring grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Large are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Opelika AL programs you are reviewing what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Opelika home, visit the campus and attend a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior design program you choose provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Opelika AL, make sure that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, check that is an option also. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.

Learn More About Studying to Become an Interior Designer in Opelika

Enroll in the Right Opelika Interior Design College

Selecting the right interior design program is a crucial first step toward launching your career in this creative and rewarding occupation. Finding a college where you will receive your education and develop your talents in a particular area of study is a daunting job no matter what field you have selected. As with any endeavor to receive a higher education, there are many points to consider before enrolling in a course, program or school. At a minimum, check that the program and design college are both accredited and highly esteemed in the field. It is still important that you conduct your due diligence analysis. By doing so and following the balance of the suggestions presented in this article, you will be able to effectively assess and compare interior design programs so that you can make the right ultimate selection. And with quality training and your drive to succeed, you can reach your goal of becoming an interior designer in Opelika Alabama.

 

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