Interior Designer College
How to Select the Right One Near Charlotte North Carolina

Once you have decided to enroll in an interior design college near Charlotte NC, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. It's imperative that you get the appropriate training to develop your skills, even if you have always had a knack for designing residential or commercial interiors. And since a number of states do require that interior designers be 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 program you are considering before you make your ultimate selection it's vital that you perform the proper research. But just where do you start? A number of potential students will launch their research by searching for interior design courses near their residence and then comparing tuition costs. While cost and location are relevant issues when making a decision, they are by no means the only ones. There are many other considerations that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will cover 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 cover a little bit more about what interior design is and what degree and training options are available.

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Interior Design vs Interior Decoration

Often people confuse interior design for interior decoration and vice versa. The main distinction between them is the amount of education required. Anyone can work as an interior decorator if they possess a general knowledge of or a talent for decorating interior areas. However, conducting business as an interior designer necessitates a formal education and in numerous states one must have an accredited Bachelor's or Associate Degree as well as be licensed. Interior designers are trained to make work or living spaces functional as well as attractive. On some occasions they may work together with architects and building engineers. There are 2 general categories that an interior designer in Charlotte NC can specialize in:

• Residential Designing. Interior Designers often work on existing homes as well as new construction. They can design basically any area of the home, including bedrooms, basements and closets. Or they may specialize in designing one specific room, for example kitchens or bathrooms.
• Commercial Design. When working on commercial or public spaces, designers often focus predominantly on either aesthetic appeal or functionality but take notice of both. As an example, business meeting rooms and reception areas are spaces where aesthetics may be emphasized over function. Designs for hospitals and banks might focus more on functionality over appearance as the primary concern.

There are numerous areas of commercial and residential interior design that a designer must learn, such as lighting, color schemes, furniture and acoustics. Designers must be able to read blue prints and use graphic design in order to produce their visions. From choosing carpeting and wall paper to incorporating Feng shui concepts, Charlotte NC interior designers implement a wide range of skills that help bring about their ultimate creations.

Interior Designer Degree Options

There are four degree alternatives offered in interior design to obtain the training necessary to begin your new profession in Charlotte NC. Your decision will undoubtedly be influenced by your career objectives as well as the money and time that you have to commit to your education. But no matter which degree program you opt to enroll in, make certain to select one that is accredited. Accreditation is required in order to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam mandated in some states. More will be discussed on additional benefits of accreditation later. Following are brief explanations of the interior design degrees that are offered.

• Associate Degree. Associate degrees in interior design provide the minimum level of education needed to enter the profession. They take about two years to complete and programs are offered at many North Carolina trade schools and junior colleges. Graduates can commonly qualify for entry level positions as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are 4 year programs that provide more in depth training than the Associate Degree. They cover the technical and creative aspects 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 position as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These two year programs provide advanced design training after achieving the Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees provide options in specialty majors in general areas such as business offices or residential bathrooms. A number of students enroll to improve their skills to be more competitive in their careers.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctorate programs are mainly for those professionals who desire to teach interior design at a college or university level. The degree programs differ in length but are usually completed in 3 to 5 years.

In order to work professionally and adopt the title of "Interior Designer", many states require that graduates of accredited colleges become licensed. In several instances, two or more years of professional experience may be called for before an applicant can take the licensing examination.

Online Interior Design Degree Programs

For anyone wishing' to study in the convenience of their Charlotte NC homes, there are online accredited interior design degrees. Attending classes online can be a good option for those students that are working or have busy schedules that make going to classes on campus problematic. Classes can instead be attended on a home computer or laptop when practical for the student. For many students online colleges 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 expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated also. Just make sure that the college you pick is accredited by a highly regarded accrediting organization, such as the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (more on accreditation later). Online programs may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. If you have the discipline to obtain your degree without the structure of a physical classroom setting, then an online interior design school may be the ideal option for you.

Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Programs

When you have decided on the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the task of evaluating your college options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the campus has to be within driving distance from your Charlotte NC residence. Of course if you have decided on attending an online school, or are able to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will narrow down your options also. But choosing the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to home are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other factors that you need to consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask the schools you are considering to get those answers as well as others to help you examine and ultimately choose the right degree program.

Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's essential to confirm that the interior design program and college that you choose has been accredited by either a regional or national agency. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment of their programs and teachers. Just confirm that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are exceptional, it may also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Charlotte NC employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.

Does the College Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited college. And in several of those States requiring licensing, two or more years of work experience may be required as well. Therefore aside from furnishing an excellent education, the Charlotte NC college you enroll in should also furnish the appropriate education to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for North Carolina or the State where you will be working.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will no doubt want some help in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job placement program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good indication that the school and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design trade and its students are in demand. It might also indicate that the school has a significant network of Charlotte NC business relationships where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Charlotte NC schools you are reviewing and ask what type of assistance they provide. A number of interior designer programs offer financial assistance to their new students. Various schools provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classes? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive little individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Charlotte NC schools you are looking at what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Charlotte home, visit the campus and attend a couple of classes. While there speak with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design college you enroll in offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly significant if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Charlotte NC, confirm that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an alternative also. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Find Out More About Becoming an Interior Designer in Charlotte

Enroll in the Best Charlotte Interior Design College

Picking the right interior design college is an important first step toward starting your career in this artistic and gratifying occupation. Searching for a college where you will receive your education and develop your talents in a particular area of study is a daunting task no matter what major you have selected. As with any endeavor to acquire a higher education, there are several factors to think about before choosing a school, program, or course. At a minimum, check that the program and design school are both accredited and highly esteemed in the field. It is still imperative that you carry out your due diligence research. By doing so and following the remaining suggestions presented in this article, you will be able to properly review and compare interior design programs so that you can make the ideal ultimate selection. And with quality training and your drive to succeed, you can reach your goal of becoming an interior designer in Charlotte North Carolina.

 

Charlotte Interior Design Degrees | Charlotte How To Become An Interior Designer