Interior Designer Degree Program
How to Select the Right One Near Somerton Arizona

So it’s time to start the process of selecting an interior design school near Somerton AZ now that you have made a career choice to become an interior designer. It's important that you get the best available training to develop your skills, even if you have always had a talent for designing commercial or residential interiors. And since a number of states do mandate that interior designers become licensed, based upon your state of residence you could need preparation to pass a licensing exam also. 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 appropriate due diligence. But just how do you approach finding the right school? Many potential students will kick off their research by looking for interior design courses near their residence and then comparing tuition expenses. While cost and location are key factors when making a decision, they are by no means the only ones. There are several other factors that you should weigh when comparing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. We will cover those topics and other vital questions that you should be asking the interior design schools you are researching later in this article. But before we do, let's cover a little bit about the degree and class choices are available.

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Interior Designer Degree Options

There are 4 degree alternatives available in interior design to obtain the training required to start your new profession in Somerton AZ. Your decision will no doubt be influenced by your career goals in addition to 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 needed in order to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam mandated in some states. More will be covered on additional benefits of accreditation later. Following are brief explanations of the interior design degrees that are available.

• Associate Degree. Associate degrees in interior design furnish the minimum level of education required to enter the field. They take about two years to complete and programs are offered at many Arizona vocational schools and community colleges. Graduates can commonly qualify for entry level jobs as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are four year programs that deliver more comprehensive training than the Associate Degree. They cover the creative and technical facets of the business needed to become a designer. They are the minimum degree needed by a graduating student in order to secure an entry level position as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These 2 year programs provide advanced design training after attaining a Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees provide choices in specialty majors in general areas such as business offices or residential bathrooms. Many students enroll to advance their skills to be more competitive in their careers.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctoral programs are primarily for those professionals who desire to teach interior design at a college or university level. The programs differ in length but are generally completed in 3 to 5 years.

To work as a professional and use the title of "Interior Designer", many states mandate that graduates of accredited schools become licensed. In several instances, two or more years of professional experience may be required before a candidate can take the licensing exam.

Online Interior Designer Schools

For anyone wishing' to attend classes in the comfort of their Somerton AZ homes, there are online accredited interior design classes. Attending classes online can be an excellent alternative for those students that are working or have busy 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 some students online schools may be the sole alternative if no interior design colleges are within commuting distance. And as an additional benefit, the tuition may be cheaper than for more conventional options. Additional costs for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated as well. Just make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited by a highly regarded 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 distance or online education. If you have the dedication to obtain your degree without the structure of a physical classroom environment, then an online interior design college may be the right option for you.

Topics to Ask Interior Designer Programs

After you have chosen the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the task of evaluating your college options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the campus needs to be within driving distance from your Somerton AZ home. Naturally if you are interested in attending an online school, or are able to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will narrow down your options as well. But selecting the most affordable college or the one that is closest to your house are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you should look at also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the college. Below are a few questions that you may want to address with the programs you are reviewing to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you compare and subsequently choose the right degree program.

Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's essential to confirm that the interior designer program and school that you choose has earned accreditation from either a regional or national agency. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their programs and instructors. Just make sure that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are outstanding, it may also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Somerton AZ employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the College Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do mandate 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 program. And in some of those States mandating licensing, 2 or more years of work experience may be required as well. Therefore in addition to furnishing an excellent education, the Somerton AZ program you select should also furnish the proper education to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with the minimum licensing requirements for Arizona or the State where you will be employed.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will no doubt want some support in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good indication that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design profession and its graduates are in demand. It could also signify that the college has a sizable network of Somerton AZ 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 Somerton AZ schools you are reviewing and ask what type of assistance they offer. Many of interior designer colleges provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Various schools provide partial scholarships and others provide help in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited college is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Large are the Classes? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Somerton AZ programs you are looking at what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Somerton home, visit the school and attend a few classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior design school you enroll in provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Somerton AZ, confirm that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, verify that is an option as well. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.

Learn More About Becoming an Interior Designer in Somerton

Choose the Best Somerton Interior Design School

Selecting the ideal interior designer program is a crucial initial step toward starting your career in this creative and fulfilling profession. Finding a college where you will receive your training and cultivate your skills in a specific area of study is a difficult job regardless of what major you have chosen. As with any endeavor to attain a higher education, there are many factors to consider before enrolling in a school, program, or course. At a minimum, verify that the design college and program are both accredited and highly regarded in the profession. It is still essential that you perform your due diligence research. By doing so and following the remaining recommendations provided in this article, you will be able to properly evaluate and compare interior design schools so that you can make the right ultimate selection. And with superior training and your drive to succeed, you can reach your goal of becoming an interior designer in Somerton Arizona.

 

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