Interior Designer Program
How to Choose the Best One Near Menasha Wisconsin

So it’s time to start the task of picking an interior design school near Menasha WI now that you have made a career decision to study to be an interior designer. Even if you have always had a talent for designing residential or commercial interiors, it's important that you get the right training to put your skills to work. And because interior designers are 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 it's essential you do the proper research so that you can assess and compare each program that you are considering before you make your ultimate selection. But just how do you go about finding the right school? Many potential students will kick off their research by looking for interior design courses near their home and then comparing tuition costs. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best option simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are several other factors that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will cover those issues and other vital questions that you should be asking the interior design schools you are researching later in this article. But before we do, let's talk a little bit about the degree and class options are available.

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Interior Design Degree Options

There are four degree options offered in interior design to obtain the training necessary to begin your new career in Menasha WI. Your decision will undoubtedly be influenced by your career goals as well as the time and money that you have 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 qualify for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam mandated in some states. More will be covered on additional benefits of accreditation later. Below are brief explanations of the interior design degrees that are offered.

• Associate Degree. Interior Design Associate Degrees provide the minimum amount of training required to enter the profession. They take about 2 years to complete and programs are offered at numerous Wisconsin trade schools and junior colleges. Graduates can normally qualify for entry level jobs as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are four year programs that provide more comprehensive training than the Associate Degree. They cover the technical and creative aspects of the trade needed to become a designer. They are the minimum credential needed by a graduating student in order to secure an entry level job as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These 2 year programs furnish advanced training in design after achieving the Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees offer choices in specialized majors in general areas such as residential bathrooms or business offices. Many students enroll to advance their skills to be more competitive in the job market.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctorate programs are primarily for those professionals who wish to teach interior design at a college or university level. The programs differ in length but are generally completed in 3 to 5 years.

In order to work as a professional and adopt the title of "Interior Designer", a number of states require 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 take the licensing examination.

Interior Design Online Schools

For anyone wishing' to study in the comfort of their Menasha WI homes, there are accredited online interior design programs. Attending classes online can be a good option for those students that are working or have hectic schedules that make going to classes on campus problematic. Classes can instead be accessed on a laptop or a personal computer when convenient for the student. For many students online colleges may be the only option if no interior design programs are within commuting distance. And as an added benefit, the tuition may be lower than for more traditional options. Added expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be decreased or eliminated also. Just make sure that the college you pick is accredited by a recognized 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 online or distance education. If you have the discipline to acquire your degree without the confines of a physical classroom environment, then an online interior design college may be the perfect option for you.

What to Ask Interior Design Colleges

When you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of evaluating your school options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the school needs to be within commuting distance from your Menasha WI home. Obviously if you are interested in attending an online school, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will narrow down your choices as well. But selecting the least expensive college or the one that is closest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other things that you need to look at also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the program. 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 to help you compare and subsequently select the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's necessary to confirm that the interior designer college and program 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). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment of their programs and teachers. Just verify that both the college and the degree program 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 excellent, it may also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Menasha WI employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.

Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited college. And in several of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required also. Therefore aside from furnishing an excellent education, the Menasha WI college you choose should also provide the proper education to pass the NCIDQ examination and meet the minimum licensing requirements for Wisconsin or the State where you will be employed.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent sign that the school and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design trade and its graduates are in demand. It might also signify that the school has a significant network of Menasha WI business contacts where they can place students to obtain internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Contact the financial aid offices for the Menasha WI colleges you are evaluating and ask what type of assistance they offer. Many of interior designer schools offer financial assistance to their new students. Various schools provide partial scholarships while others provide support in obtaining grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Large are the Classes? Small 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 Menasha WI colleges you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Menasha home, go to the school and monitor a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design program you select provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Menasha WI, verify that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Learn More About How to Become an Interior Designer in Menasha

Choose the Right Menasha Interior Design College

Choosing the ideal interior design school is a crucial first step toward starting your career in this artistic and rewarding occupation. Locating a school where you will obtain your training and develop your talents in a particular area of study is a daunting job no matter what field you have decided on. As with any undertaking to receive a higher education, there are a number of things to think about before choosing a course, program or school. At a minimum, check that the design college and program are both accredited and highly respected in the profession. It is still essential that you conduct your due diligence analysis. By doing so and following the rest of the suggestions provided in this article, you will be able to effectively evaluate and compare interior design programs so that you can make the ideal final selection. And with excellent training and your desire to succeed, you can achieve your goal of becoming an interior designer in Menasha Wisconsin.

 

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