Interior Designer Course
How to Choose the Best One Near Bay Shore New York

So it’s time to begin the task of selecting an interior design school near Bay Shore NY once you have made a career decision to become an interior designer. It's imperative that you get the appropriate training to put your skills to work, even if you have always had a knack for designing commercial or residential interiors. And because interior designers are licensed in several states, the college you choose should prepare you to pass any required licensing exam and provide the proper training for your specialty. So in order to assess and compare each program you are looking at prior to making your final decision it's very important that you carry out the appropriate due diligence. But just how do you undertake finding the right program? When checking out interior design programs, many potential students begin by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the best choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Qualifiers such as reputation and accreditation need to be taken into consideration also. We will cover those topics 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 cover a little bit more about what interior design is and what degree and class options are offered.

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Interior Design vs Interior Decoration

Often people confuse interior design for interior decoration and vice versa. The primary difference between them is the level of education required. Anyone can work as an interior decorator if they possess a basic knowledge of or a talent for decorating interior spaces. On the other hand, working as an interior designer necessitates a formal education and in a number of states one must have an accredited Associate or Bachelor's Degree as well as be licensed. Interior designers are educated to make living or work spaces attractive as well as functional. On various projects they may work together with building engineers and architects. There are two broad areas that an interior designer in Bay Shore NY may specialize in:

• Residential Design. Interior Designers typically work on new construction and existing homes. They can design essentially any room of the home, including bedrooms, closets and basements. Or they can specialize in designing one specific room, for example bathrooms or kitchens.
• Commercial Designing. When dealing with commercial or public spaces, designers often focus predominantly on either functionality or aesthetic appeal but take notice of both. For example, business reception areas and meeting rooms are areas where aesthetics may be stressed over function. Designs for hospitals and banks might focus more on functionality over looks as the main consideration.

There are numerous areas of residential and commercial interior design that a designer needs to learn, including color schemes, lighting, acoustics and furniture. They need to be able to use graphic design and read blue prints in order to create their visions. From choosing carpeting and wall paper to including Feng shui concepts, Bay Shore NY interior designers implement a wide range of skills that contribute to their ultimate creations.

Interior Designer Degree Programs

There are 4 degree options available in interior design to acquire the training needed to begin your new profession in Bay Shore NY. Your selection will no doubt be motivated by your career goals in addition to the time and money that you have budgeted to invest in your education. But no matter which degree program you choose to enroll in, make certain to pick 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 addressed on additional benefits of accreditation later. Following are short descriptions of the interior design degrees that are available.

• Associate Degree. Interior Design Associate Degrees provide the minimum amount of education needed to enter the field. They take roughly two years to complete and programs are available at many New York vocational schools and community colleges. Graduates can typically qualify for entry level positions as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are 4 year programs that furnish more comprehensive training than the Associate Degree. They deal with the creative and technical components of the business required to become a designer. They are the lowest degree needed by a graduating student in order to obtain an entry level job as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These 2 year programs supply advanced training in design after attaining the Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees offer options in specialized majors for such things as business offices or residential bathrooms. Many students enroll to enhance their skills to be more competitive in the job market.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctorate 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 typically completed in 3 to 5 years.

In order to work as a professional and use the title of "Interior Designer", a number of states mandate that graduates of accredited degree programs become licensed. In some instances, 2 or more years of field experience may be required before a candidate can sit for the licensing examination.

Interior Design Online Classes

For anyone wishing' to attend classes in the comfort of their Bay Shore NY homes, there are online accredited interior design colleges. Attending classes online can be a great solution for those students that are working or have busy schedules that make attending classes on campus challenging. Classes can instead be attended on a laptop or a personal computer when practical for the student. For many students online schools may be the sole alternative if no interior design colleges are within driving distance. And as an additional benefit, the tuition may be cheaper than for more conventional options. Additional expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated as well. Just make sure that the program you select is accredited by a respected accrediting organization, such as the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (more on accreditation later). Online schools may also earn 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 setting, then an online interior design program may be the ideal option for you.

Topics to Ask Interior Design Schools

Now that you have decided on the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can start the process of reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the campus must be within commuting distance from your Bay Shore NY residence. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are able to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will narrow down your choices also. But choosing the least expensive school or the one that is closest to your house are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you need to look at as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Following are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are looking at to obtain those answers as well as others to help you compare and subsequently pick the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior design school and program that you select has earned accreditation from either a regional or national organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their teachers and programs. Just verify that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are excellent, it might also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Bay Shore NY employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do mandate that interior designers become 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 several of those States requiring licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. So aside from furnishing an outstanding education, the Bay Shore NY college you choose should also furnish the appropriate instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum licensing requirements for New York or the State where you will be working.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly need some help in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job placement program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It could also signify that the college has a significant network of Bay Shore NY business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Available? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Bay Shore NY schools you are evaluating and ask what type of aid they offer. A number of interior design colleges provide financial aid to their incoming students. Some colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide assistance in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a program that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Large are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Bay Shore NY schools you are looking at what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Bay Shore home, visit the school and sit in on a couple of classes. While there speak with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design college you choose offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Bay Shore NY, make certain that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, check that is an option also. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.

Learn More About Studying to Become an Interior Designer in Bay Shore

Choose the Right Bay Shore Interior Design College

Selecting the ideal interior design school is a crucial initial step toward starting your career in this artistic and gratifying occupation. Finding a college where you will receive your training and cultivate your skills in a specific area of study is a difficult task no matter what major you have selected. As with any undertaking to receive an advanced education, there are many factors to consider before choosing a program, course or school. At a minimum, verify that the program and design school are both accredited and highly regarded in the profession. It is still important that you complete your due diligence analysis. By doing so and following the balance of the suggestions presented in this article, you will be able to effectively review and compare interior design programs so that you can make the right final selection. And with superior training and your determination to succeed, you can achieve your goal of becoming an interior designer in Bay Shore New York.

 

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