Interior Designer Degree Program
How to Select the Right One Near Fitchburg Wisconsin

So it’s time to start the task of picking an interior design school near Fitchburg WI now that you have made a career choice to become an interior designer. It's important that you get the appropriate training to put your skills to work, even if you have always had a talent for designing residential or commercial interiors. And since a number of states do mandate that interior designers be licensed, based upon your state of residence you could need training to pass a licensing exam as well. So in order to assess and compare each college you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision it's essential that you carry out the appropriate research. But just how do you undertake finding the right school? Many prospective students will launch their research by looking for interior design programs near their home and then comparing tuition expenses. While cost and location are important factors when making a decision, they should not be the sole ones. Qualifications such as reputation and accreditation should be taken into account also. We will discuss those topics and other crucial 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 training choices are available.

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Interior Design and Interior Decoration

Some people mistake interior design for interior decoration and vice versa. The primary difference between the two is the amount of training required. Anyone can work as an interior decorator if they possess a general knowledge of or a skill for decorating interior areas. However, doing business as an interior designer requires a formal education and in many states one must have an accredited Bachelor's or Associate Degree as well as be licensed. Interior designers are taught to make work or living spaces functional as well as attractive. On various occasions they may team up with building engineers and architects. There are two broad categories that an interior designer in Fitchburg WI can specialize in:

• Residential Design. Interior Designers frequently work on existing homes as well as new construction. They can design essentially any room of a house, including bedrooms, basements and closets. Or they can specialize in designing one specific room, for instance kitchens or bathrooms.
• Commercial Design. When working on commercial or public areas, designers often focus primarily 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 focused on over function. Designs for banks and hospitals may concentrate more on functionality over appearance as the primary concern.

There are various areas of residential and commercial interior design that a designer must learn, including color schemes, lighting, acoustics and furniture. Designers need to be able to read blue prints and use graphic design in order to produce their visions. From selecting carpeting and wall paper to including Feng shui principles, Fitchburg WI interior designers utilize a wide variety of skills that contribute to their ultimate creations.

Interior Designer Degree Options

There are four degree options available in interior design to obtain the training necessary to begin your new profession in Fitchburg WI. Your selection will undoubtedly be influenced by your career objectives in addition to the time and money that you have budgeted to commit to your education. But no matter which degree program you choose to enroll in, make sure to select one that is accredited. Accreditation is needed in order to qualify for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam mandated in a number of states. More will be addressed on additional benefits of accreditation later. Below are short descriptions of the interior design degrees that are available.

• Associate Degree. Associate degrees in interior design supply the minimum level of training needed to enter the profession. They take about two years to complete and programs are offered at a number of Wisconsin trade schools and junior colleges. Graduates can commonly qualify for entry level employment as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are 4 year programs that furnish more extensive training than the Associate Degree. They cover the creative and technical facets of the business needed to become a designer. They are the minimum credential needed by a college graduate in order to obtain an entry level job as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These two year programs furnish advanced design training after achieving a Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees provide choices in specialized 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 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 programs differ in length but are typically completed in 3 to 5 years.

To work as a professional and adopt the title of "Interior Designer", many states mandate that graduates of accredited degree programs become licensed. In several instances, 2 or more years of professional experience may be required before a candidate can sit for the licensing examination.

Interior Designer Online Courses

For those who wish to study in the convenience of their Fitchburg WI homes, there are online accredited interior design degrees. Attending classes online can be a good solution for those students that are working or have busy schedules that make going to classes on campus difficult. 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 only option if no interior design programs 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 study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated as well. Just make sure that the program you enroll in is accredited by a recognized accrediting organization, such as the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (more on accreditation later). Online colleges may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. If you have the dedication to earn your degree without the confines of a physical classroom environment, then an online interior design college may be the ideal alternative for you.

What to Ask Interior Design Schools

When you have selected the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of analyzing your school options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the college needs to be within driving distance from your Fitchburg WI residence. Obviously if you are interested in attending a school online, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will decrease your options as well. But choosing the least expensive college or the one that is nearest to home are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other things that you should consider also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the college. Following are a list of questions that you may want to address with the colleges you are considering to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you compare and subsequently choose the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior designer program and college that you choose has earned accreditation from either a national or regional organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding evaluation of their programs and instructors. Just verify that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are excellent, it might also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Fitchburg WI employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the College Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, 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 some of those States requiring licensing, 2 or more years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore besides furnishing an outstanding education, the Fitchburg WI program you select should also furnish the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum licensing requirements for Wisconsin or the State where you will be employed.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly want some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the schools 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 a good sign that the college and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It may also indicate that the college has a significant network of Fitchburg WI business relationships where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Fitchburg WI colleges you are reviewing and find out what type of assistance they provide. Many of interior design schools offer financial aid to their new students. Various colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide help in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a program that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Fitchburg WI schools you are considering what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Fitchburg home, visit the campus and sit in on a few classes. While there talk with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior design program you select provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Fitchburg WI, verify that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, verify that is an option also. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Find Out More About How to Become an Interior Designer in Fitchburg

Choose the Best Fitchburg Interior Design College

Choosing the ideal interior designer school is an important initial step toward launching your career in this creative and gratifying occupation. Locating a school where you will receive your training and develop your skills in a specific area of study is a daunting task no matter what field you have selected. As with any endeavor to acquire an advanced education, there are a number of factors to consider before choosing a school, program, or course. At a minimum, make sure that the program and design school are both accredited and highly regarded in the business. It is still essential that you perform 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 determination to succeed, you can reach your goal of becoming an interior designer in Fitchburg Wisconsin.

 

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