Interior Designer Program
How to Find the Best One Near Manitowoc Wisconsin

So it’s time to begin the process of selecting an interior design school near Manitowoc WI now that you have made a career choice to become an interior designer. It's important that you get the best available training to develop your skills, even if you have always had a knack for designing commercial or residential interiors. And since a number of states do mandate that interior designers become licensed, depending on your state of residence you could need training to pass a licensing examination also. So in order to evaluate and compare each program you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision it's crucial that you do the appropriate research. But just how do you undertake finding the right school? Many potential students will begin their research by searching for interior design colleges near their residence and then comparing tuition costs. However, a school is not always the right choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Qualifications such as reputation and accreditation should be considered also. We will cover those topics and other important questions that you must ask 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 alternatives are offered.

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Interior Design vs Interior Decoration

Many people mistake interior decoration for interior design and conversely. The main distinction between the two is the amount of education required. Any person can work as an interior decorator if they have a basic knowledge of or a talent for decorating interior areas. However, conducting business as an interior designer requires formal training and in many states one must have an accredited Associate or Bachelor's Degree as well as be licensed. Interior designers are taught to make work or living areas functional as well as attractive. On many projects they may collaborate with building engineers and architects. There are two general areas that an interior designer in Manitowoc WI can specialize in:

• Residential Design. Interior Designers frequently 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, such as bathrooms or kitchens.
• Commercial Design. When working on public or commercial areas, designers normally concentrate primarily on either functionality or aesthetic appeal but pay attention to both. For instance, business meeting rooms and reception areas are areas where aesthetics may be stressed over function. Designs for banks and hospitals might concentrate more on functionality over appearance as the primary concern.

There are numerous areas of commercial and residential interior design that a designer needs to learn, including color schemes, lighting, acoustics and furniture. Designers must be able to use graphic design and read blue prints in order to produce their visions. From selecting wall paper and carpeting to including Feng shui principles, Manitowoc WI interior designers utilize a wide range of skills that help bring about their final designs.

Interior Designer Degrees

There are 4 degree alternatives offered in interior design to receive the training needed to begin your new profession in Manitowoc WI. Your selection will no doubt be influenced by your career objectives in addition to the time and money that you have budgeted to devote 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 take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination mandated in some states. More will be covered on additional benefits of accreditation later. Below are short explanations of the interior design degrees that are available.

• Associate Degree. Interior Design Associate Degrees furnish the minimum level of training required to enter the profession. They take roughly 2 years to finish and programs are available at a number of Wisconsin community colleges and vocational schools. Graduates can normally qualify for entry level jobs as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are 4 year programs that furnish more comprehensive training than the Associate Degree. They deal with the technical and creative facets of the business required to become a designer. They are the lowest credential needed by a college graduate in order to secure an entry level job as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These two year programs provide advanced training in design after attaining the Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees provide alternatives in specialized majors for such things as residential bathrooms or business offices. A number of students enroll to improve their skills to be more competitive in the job market.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctorate degrees are mostly for those professionals who desire to teach interior design at a university or college level. The programs vary 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 require that graduates of accredited degree programs become licensed. In some instances, 2 or more years of professional experience may be called for before a candidate can take the licensing exam.

Interior Design Online Classes

For individuals who wish to attend classes in the convenience of their Manitowoc WI homes, there are online accredited interior design colleges. Attending classes online can be a good alternative for those students that are working or have hectic schedules that make attending classes on campus problematic. Classes can instead be attended on a laptop or a personal computer when practical for the student. For a number of students online colleges may be the only option if no interior design programs are within driving distance. And as an added benefit, the tuition may be cheaper than for more conventional options. Additional expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated also. Just make certain that the college you choose is accredited by a respected accrediting organization, 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 distance or online learning. If you have the dedication to obtain your degree without the structure 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 want to earn, you can start the task of evaluating your school options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the campus needs to be within commuting distance from your Manitowoc WI residence. Obviously if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will limit your choices as well. But picking the least expensive college or the one that is closest to home are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you need to look at as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the program. Following are a list of questions that you may want to address with the programs you are looking at to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you examine and subsequently choose the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior design college and program that you choose has been accredited by either a regional or national organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment of their programs and instructors. 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 verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are exceptional, it might also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Manitowoc WI employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.

Does the College Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, 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 in addition to a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of occupational experience may be required also. Therefore aside from furnishing an outstanding education, the Manitowoc WI college you choose should also furnish the proper training to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum requirements for licensing for Wisconsin or the State where you will be employed.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior design certification, you will no doubt want some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good sign that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design trade and its graduates are sought after. It may also indicate that the college has a significant network of Manitowoc WI business relationships where they can place students to obtain internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Manitowoc WI schools you are looking at and ask what kind of assistance they offer. Many of interior designer schools provide financial aid to their incoming students. Certain colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that choosing an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Big are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive little individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Manitowoc WI programs you are reviewing what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Manitowoc home, visit the campus and sit in on a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior design program you enroll in provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Manitowoc WI, confirm that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, verify that is an alternative also. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.

Learn More About How to Become an Interior Designer in Manitowoc

Enroll in the Right Manitowoc Interior Design College

Choosing the ideal interior designer program is an important initial step toward launching your career in this artistic and rewarding profession. Finding a college where you will obtain your education and develop your talents in a specific area of study is a daunting job no matter what field you have selected. As with any endeavor to receive an advanced education, there are many factors to think about before enrolling in a program, course or school. At a minimum, make sure that the design college and program are both accredited and highly esteemed in the business. It is still essential that you carry out your due diligence research. By doing so and following the remaining recommendations provided in this article, you will be able to properly evaluate and compare interior design schools so that you can make the appropriate final selection. And with excellent training and your drive to succeed, you can accomplish your goal of becoming an interior designer in Manitowoc Wisconsin.

 

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