Interior Designer Course
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Marshfield Wisconsin

Once you have decided to enroll in an interior design degree program near Marshfield WI, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. Even if you have always had a talent for designing commercial or residential interiors, it's essential that you receive the right training to put your natural abilities to work. And since several states do require that interior designers become licensed, depending on your state of residence you may need training to pass a licensing exam also. So in order to analyze and compare each college you are reviewing before you make your final decision it's very important that you perform the appropriate due diligence. But exactly where do you start? Many prospective students will begin their research by looking for interior design schools near their residence and then comparing tuition costs. While cost and location are key issues when making a determination, they are by no means the sole ones. There are a number of other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will discuss those topics and other vital 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 available.

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Interior Design and Interior Decoration

Often people mistake interior design for interior decoration and vice versa. The main distinction between the two is the level of training required. Anyone can work as an interior decorator if they possess a general knowledge of or a talent for decorating interior spaces. However, working as an interior designer necessitates 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 trained to make living or work areas functional as well as attractive. On some occasions they may work together with architects and building engineers. There are 2 general areas that an interior designer in Marshfield WI can specialize in:

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

There are numerous areas of commercial and residential 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 produce their visions. From selecting wall paper and carpeting to incorporating Feng shui principles, Marshfield WI interior designers implement a wide variety of skills that help bring about their final designs.

Interior Designer Degree Programs

There are four degree options available in interior design to get the training needed to begin your new career in Marshfield WI. Your decision will no doubt be motivated by your career objectives as well as the money and time that you have budgeted to invest in your education. But no matter which degree program you choose to enroll in, make certain to choose one that is accredited. Accreditation is mandated in order to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam required in some states. More will be covered on additional accreditation benefits later. Following are brief explanations of the interior design degrees that are available.

• Associate Degree. Interior Design Associate Degrees provide the minimum amount of education required to enter the profession. They take approximately two years to finish and programs are offered at many Wisconsin vocational schools and community colleges. Graduates can normally obtain entry level employment as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are 4 year programs that supply more comprehensive training than the Associate Degree. They cover the creative and technical aspects of the trade required to become a designer. They are the minimum 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 attaining the Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees provide alternatives in specialized majors for such things as residential bathrooms or business offices. Many students enroll to improve their skills to be more competitive in their careers.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctorate programs are primarily for those professionals who want to teach interior design at a college or university level. The programs vary in length but are normally completed in 3 to 5 years.

In order to work professionally and adopt the title of "Interior Designer", a number of 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 sit for the licensing examination.

Interior Design Online Colleges

For individuals who wish to study in the convenience of their Marshfield WI homes, there are online accredited interior design schools. Attending classes online can be a great solution for those students that are employed or have hectic 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 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 conventional options. Additional costs for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated as well. Just make sure that the school you select is accredited by a highly regarded 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 distance or online education. If you have the discipline to obtain your degree without the confines of a physical classroom environment, then an online interior design program may be the perfect alternative for you.

Topics to Ask Interior Designer Schools

After you have selected the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can start the task of reviewing your college options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the campus needs to be within commuting distance from your Marshfield WI home. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will decrease your choices also. But choosing the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to your house are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other things that you should look at also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the program. Following are a few questions that you may want to address with the schools you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you compare and subsequently choose the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the interior designer program and college that you enroll in has earned accreditation from 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 earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding evaluation of their programs and teachers. Just make sure 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 education are exceptional, it might also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, many Marshfield WI employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.

Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of work experience may be required also. Therefore aside from providing an excellent education, the Marshfield WI college you select should also provide the suitable training to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Wisconsin or the State where you will be employed.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will probably want some support in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It could also signify that the college has a significant network of Marshfield WI business connections where they can place students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Marshfield WI colleges you are evaluating and find out what kind of assistance they provide. Many of interior designer colleges provide financial assistance to their new students. Various schools offer partial scholarships while others provide support in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited program is imperative for qualification in most cases. In some cases a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its counterparts 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 large, you probably will receive little individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Marshfield WI programs you are reviewing what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Marshfield home, go to the school and sit in on a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior designer program you enroll in offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Marshfield WI, verify that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Learn More About Studying to Become an Interior Designer in Marshfield

Choose the Right Marshfield Interior Design College

Selecting the right interior design program is an important initial step toward launching your career in this creative and rewarding profession. Locating a college where you will receive your education and develop your talents in a particular area of study is a daunting task regardless of what major you have chosen. As with any undertaking to acquire an advanced education, there are a number of factors to think about before choosing a school, program, or course. At a minimum, confirm that the design college and program are both accredited and highly esteemed in the business. It is still imperative that you complete your due diligence research. By doing so and following the remaining recommendations provided in this article, you will be able to properly assess and compare interior design programs so that you can make the right ultimate selection. And with superior training and your desire to succeed, you can achieve your goal of becoming an interior designer in Marshfield Wisconsin.

 

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