Interior Designer Degree
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Green Bay Wisconsin

So it’s time to begin the task of selecting an interior design school near Green Bay WI once you have made a career choice to study to be an interior designer. Even if you have always had a gift for designing commercial or residential spaces, it's essential that you get the right training to put your skills to work. And because interior designers must be licensed in several states, the college you select should prep you to pass any required licensing exam as well as provide the necessary training for your specialty. So it's crucial you perform the appropriate research in order to assess and compare each school that you are looking at prior to making your final decision. But just where do you begin? Many potential students will launch their research by looking for interior design colleges near their residence and then comparing tuition costs. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Qualifiers such as reputation and accreditation should be taken into consideration also. We will address those issues and other vital 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 training alternatives are available.

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Interior Design Compared to Interior Decoration

Many people confuse interior decoration for interior design and vice versa. The key distinction between the two is the level of education required. Any person can work as an interior decorator if they possess a basic knowledge of or a talent for decorating interior spaces. However, doing business as an interior designer requires 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 attractive as well as functional. On various projects they may collaborate with architects and building engineers. There are two broad areas that an interior designer in Green Bay WI may specialize in:

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

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

Interior Design Degree Options

There are four degree alternatives available in interior design to receive the training necessary to begin your new career in Green Bay WI. Your selection will undoubtedly be driven 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 pick one that is accredited. Accreditation is required in order to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam required in a number of states. More will be covered on additional accreditation benefits later. Below are brief descriptions of the interior design degrees that are available.

• Associate Degree. Interior Design Associate Degrees supply the minimum level of training required to enter the field. They take approximately two years to finish and programs are available at numerous Wisconsin trade schools and junior colleges. Graduates can commonly qualify for entry level employment as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are four year programs that deliver more in depth training than the Associate Degree. They deal with 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 position as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These 2 year programs provide advanced training in design after acquiring a Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees provide options in specialty majors for such things as business offices or residential bathrooms. Many students enroll to improve their skills to be more competitive in their careers.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctorate programs are primarily for those professionals who desire to teach interior design at a university or college level. The programs differ in length but are typically completed in three to five years.

To work professionally and use the title of "Interior Designer", many states mandate that graduates of accredited degree programs become licensed. In several instances, two or more years of field experience may be called for before an applicant can sit for the licensing exam.

Online Interior Design Classes

For individuals who wish to study in the convenience of their Green Bay WI homes, there are accredited online interior design degrees. Studying online can be a good solution for those students that are employed or have hectic schedules that make going to classes on campus challenging. Classes can instead be accessed on a home computer or laptop when practical for the student. For a number of students online programs may be the only option if no interior design programs are within driving distance. And as an additional benefit, the tuition may be cheaper than for more traditional options. Added expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be decreased or eliminated also. Just make sure that the college you enroll in is accredited by a respected accrediting agency, such as the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (more on accreditation later). Online schools may also receive 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 confines of a physical classroom environment, then an online interior design school may be the perfect option for you.

Questions to Ask Interior Designer Programs

When you have chosen the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the task of reviewing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the campus must be within driving distance from your Green Bay WI residence. Obviously if you are interested in attending an online school, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will decrease your options as well. But picking the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to your house are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you need to look at also, including the accreditation and reputation 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 in order to help you compare and ultimately choose the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior design school and program that you enroll in has been accredited by 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 gone through a rigorous evaluation of their teachers and programs. Just verify that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are exceptional, it may also help when securing financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Green Bay WI employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do require 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 college. And in some of those States requiring licensing, 2 or more years of occupational experience may be required also. Therefore besides providing an excellent education, the Green Bay WI program you choose should also furnish the proper training to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum licensing requirements for Wisconsin or the State where you will be working.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and earned your interior designer certification, you will probably need some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good sign that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design field and its graduates are in demand. It may also signify that the college has a sizable network of Green Bay WI business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Contact the financial aid departments for the Green Bay WI colleges you are evaluating and ask what type of support they provide. Many of interior design schools offer financial assistance to their new students. Various colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide help in obtaining grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited program is imperative for qualification in most cases. In some cases a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive little individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Green Bay WI programs you are looking at what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Green Bay home, visit the school and attend a few classes. While there speak with some 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 Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design school you enroll in provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Green Bay WI, make sure that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, verify that is an option also. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.

Learn More About How to Become an Interior Designer in Green Bay

Choose the Best Green Bay Interior Design College

Selecting the right interior design program is a crucial first step toward launching your career in this creative and rewarding occupation. Locating a college where you will obtain your training and cultivate your talents in a specific area of study is a difficult task regardless of what major you have chosen. As with any undertaking to acquire an advanced education, there are several points to consider before enrolling in a program, course or school. At a minimum, confirm that the design college and program are both accredited and highly respected in the business. It is still imperative that you carry out your due diligence research. By doing so and following the balance of the recommendations presented in this article, you will be able to effectively assess and compare interior design programs so that you can make the right final selection. And with excellent training and your desire to succeed, you can achieve your goal of becoming an interior designer in Green Bay Wisconsin.

 

Green Bay Interior Design Degrees | Green Bay How To Become An Interior Designer