Interior Designer Program
How to Select the Right One Near Saint James New York

Now that you have decided to enroll in an interior design degree program near Saint James NY, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. It's important that you get the best available training to put your skills to work, even if you have always had a knack for designing residential or commercial interiors. And since several states do require that interior designers become licensed, depending on your state of residence you could need training to pass a licensing examination as well. So in order to evaluate and compare each college you are looking at prior to making your final choice it's crucial that you do the proper research. But exactly where do you begin? When checking out interior design programs, the majority of students start by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. While cost and location are key issues when making a determination, they should not be the sole ones. Qualifications such as accreditation and reputation need to be taken into consideration as well. We will address those topics and other important questions that you should be asking the interior design schools you are interested in later in this article. But first, let's talk a little bit more about what interior design is and what degree and class options are offered.

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Interior Design and Interior Decoration

Often people confuse interior design for interior decoration and conversely. The main difference between them is the level of training required. Any person can work as an interior decorator if they have a general knowledge of or a skill for decorating interior areas. However, working as an interior designer necessitates formal training and in many states one must have an accredited Associate or Bachelor's Degree and be licensed. Interior designers are educated to make living or work areas attractive as well as functional. On various projects they may team up with building engineers and architects. There are 2 general areas that an interior designer in Saint James NY may specialize in:

• Residential Design. Interior Designers typically work on existing homes as well as new construction. They can design basically any area of the home, including bedrooms, closets and basements. Or they may specialize in designing one particular room, for example kitchens or bathrooms.
• Commercial Designing. When working on public or commercial spaces, designers frequently focus predominantly on either aesthetic appeal or functionality but pay attention to both. For instance, business reception areas and meeting rooms are areas where aesthetics may be stressed over function. Designs for banks and hospitals may concentrate more on functionality over looks as the primary concern.

There are several areas of commercial and residential interior design that a designer needs to learn, such as color schemes, lighting, furniture and acoustics. Designers must be able to read blue prints and use graphic design in order to create their visions. From choosing carpeting and wall paper to incorporating Feng shui principles, Saint James NY interior designers implement a wide range of skills that help bring about their final creations.

Interior Design Degree Programs

There are 4 degree options available in interior design to acquire the training required to launch your new career in Saint James NY. Your selection will undoubtedly be influenced by your career objectives as well as the money and time that you have to invest in your education. But no matter which degree program you choose to enroll in, make certain to select one that is accredited. Accreditation is needed in order to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam required in a number of states. More will be discussed on additional benefits of accreditation later. Following are short descriptions of the interior design degrees that are available.

• Associate Degree. Interior Design Associate Degrees supply the minimum amount of education needed to enter the profession. They take about two years to finish and programs are offered at numerous New York community colleges and vocational schools. Graduates can commonly qualify for entry level positions as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are four year programs that provide more comprehensive training than the Associate Degree. They cover the technical and creative facets of the trade needed to become a designer. They are the minimum degree needed by a college graduate in order to secure an entry level job as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These 2 year programs provide advanced design training after acquiring the Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees offer alternatives in specialty majors for such things as residential bathrooms or business offices. A number of students enroll to enhance 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 usually completed in 3 to 5 years.

To work as a professional 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 required before a candidate can take the licensing examination.

Online Interior Designer Degree Programs

For those who wish to study in the convenience of their Saint James NY homes, there are online accredited interior design degrees. Attending classes online can be an excellent option for those students that are working 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 practical for the student. For a number of students online schools may be the sole alternative if no interior design programs are within commuting distance. And as an added benefit, the tuition may be lower than for more traditional options. Additional expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be decreased or eliminated also. Just make sure that the college you select is accredited by a respected accrediting organization, such as the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (more on accreditation later). Online colleges may also acquire accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. If you have the dedication to earn your degree without the structure of a physical classroom setting, then an online interior design college may be the perfect option for you.

Subjects to Ask Interior Design Programs

After you have selected the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the task of assessing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the school must be within driving distance from your Saint James NY home. Obviously if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will limit your options also. But selecting the most affordable college or the one that is nearest to home are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you need to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a few concerns that you may want to address with the schools you are reviewing to obtain those answers as well as others to help you assess and ultimately pick the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's important to confirm that the interior designer program and school that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a regional or national 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 gone through a demanding assessment of their programs and instructors. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college 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 exceptional, it may also help when securing financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, many Saint James NY employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the College Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, 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 as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States calling for licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required also. So besides furnishing an exceptional education, the Saint James NY school you choose should also furnish the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ exam and comply with the minimum licensing requirements for New York or the State where you will be employed.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design field and its students are in demand. It may also indicate that the college has a large network of Saint James NY business connections where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Available? Contact the financial aid departments for the Saint James NY schools you are evaluating and ask what kind of support they offer. Many of interior designer programs provide financial aid to their incoming students. Some schools provide partial scholarships and others provide support in obtaining grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Saint James NY schools you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Saint James home, go to the campus and attend a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior design school you enroll in offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Saint James NY, make sure that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, check that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.

Learn More About Studying to Become an Interior Designer in Saint James

Enroll in the Best Saint James Interior Design School

Picking the right interior design school is a critical initial step toward starting your career in this creative and gratifying occupation. Finding a school where you will obtain your education and cultivate your talents in a particular area of study is a difficult job no matter what field you have selected. As with any endeavor to attain an advanced education, there are a number of points to consider before selecting a school, program, or course. At a minimum, check that the program and design college are both accredited and highly regarded in the field. It is still essential that you perform your due diligence research. By doing so and following the remaining suggestions provided in this article, you will be able to properly assess and compare interior design colleges so that you can make the appropriate ultimate selection. And with quality training and your desire to succeed, you can achieve your goal of becoming an interior designer in Saint James New York.

 

Saint James Interior Design Colleges | Saint James Interior Design Classes