Interior Designer Course
How to Select the Right One Near Manitowoc Wisconsin

So it’s time to start the task of choosing an interior design school near Manitowoc WI now that you have made a career choice to become an interior designer. Even if you have always had a talent for designing residential or commercial spaces, it's important that you get the proper training to put your skills to work. And because interior designers must be licensed in several states, the school you select should prep you to pass any required licensing exam as well as provide the proper training for your specialty. So in order to assess and compare each college you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate choice it's very important that you perform the proper due diligence. But exactly where do you begin? Some future students will start their research by searching for interior design colleges near their home and then comparing tuition costs. However, a school is not always the best option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Qualifiers such as accreditation and reputation must be considered as well. We will cover those topics and other important questions that you should be asking the interior design schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's talk a little bit about the degree and training alternatives are offered.

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Interior Designer Degrees

There are 4 degree alternatives offered in interior design to obtain the training necessary to begin your new profession in Manitowoc WI. Your selection will undoubtedly be motivated by your career goals as well as the money and time that you have to devote to your education. But no matter which degree program you opt to enroll in, make certain to choose 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 offered.

• Associate Degree. Interior Design Associate Degrees provide the minimum amount of education needed to enter the profession. They take roughly two years to complete and programs are available at many Wisconsin 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 extensive training than the Associate Degree. They deal with the technical and creative aspects of the trade required to become a designer. They are the minimum credential needed by a graduating student in order to obtain an entry level position as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These 2 year programs furnish advanced design training after attaining the Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees provide options in specialized 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 mostly 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.

In order to work as a professional and adopt the title of "Interior Designer", many states mandate that graduates of accredited schools become licensed. In some instances, two or more years of field experience may be called for before an applicant can take the licensing examination.

Interior Design Online Colleges

For students who to attend classes in the convenience of their Manitowoc WI homes, there are accredited online interior design programs. Studying online can be an excellent alternative for those students that are working or have hectic schedules that make going to classes on campus difficult. Classes can instead be attended on a laptop or a personal computer when practical for the student. For many students online programs may be the sole alternative if no interior design colleges are within commuting distance. And as an additional benefit, the tuition may be lower than for more conventional options. Additional costs for such things as study materials or commuting may be decreased or eliminated as well. Just make certain that the school you enroll in is accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency, 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 learning. If you have the discipline to obtain your degree without the structure of a physical classroom setting, then an online interior design college may be the right option for you.

Topics to Ask Interior Designer Programs

Once you have decided on the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can start the task of assessing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the college has to be within driving distance from your Manitowoc WI residence. Naturally 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 fee for tuition will narrow down your options also. But picking the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you need to look at also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others to help you examine and ultimately choose the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's imperative to verify that the interior design college and program that you enroll in has been accredited by either a national or regional organization. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive evaluation of their teachers and programs. Just make sure that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are excellent, it may also help when securing financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Manitowoc WI employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the Program Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do require that interior designers get 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 mandating licensing, a minimum of 2 years of occupational experience may be required also. So aside from providing an excellent education, the Manitowoc WI school you choose should also provide the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for Wisconsin or the State where you will be working.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior designer certification, you will no doubt want some support in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design trade and its students are sought after. It might also indicate that the school has a sizable network of Manitowoc WI business connections where they can place students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Get in touch with the financial assistance offices for the Manitowoc WI colleges you are evaluating and ask what type of assistance they provide. Many of interior design programs provide financial aid to their incoming students. Certain schools offer partial scholarships and others provide support in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. In some cases a school that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Large are the Classes? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Manitowoc WI colleges you are reviewing what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Manitowoc home, visit the school and monitor a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design college you enroll in provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Manitowoc WI, make certain that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, confirm that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.

Learn More About Becoming an Interior Designer in Manitowoc

Enroll in the Best Manitowoc Interior Design College

Selecting the ideal interior design school is a crucial first step toward launching your career in this creative and fulfilling profession. Locating a college where you will obtain your training and cultivate your skills in a particular area of study is a difficult task regardless of what field you have chosen. As with any undertaking to receive an advanced education, there are several factors to think about before selecting a program, course or school. At a minimum, verify that the program and design college are both accredited and highly esteemed in the business. It is still important that you conduct your due diligence research. By doing so and following the remaining recommendations provided in this article, you will be able to effectively review and compare interior design schools so that you can make the right final selection. And with quality training and your desire to succeed, you can accomplish your goal of becoming an interior designer in Manitowoc Wisconsin.

 

Manitowoc Interior Design Courses | Manitowoc Interior Design Degrees