Interior Designer Degree Program
How to Find the Right One Near Mequon Wisconsin

Now that you have made a decision to enroll in an interior design college near Mequon WI, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. It's important that you get the best available training to put your skills to work, even if you have always had a talent for designing commercial or residential interiors. And since interior designers must be licensed in a number of states, the college you choose should prep you to pass any required licensing exam and provide the necessary training for your specialty. So it's very important you carry out the appropriate research so that you can assess and compare each college that you are considering prior to making your final choice. But just how do you undertake enrolling in the right school? Many future students will launch their research by searching for interior design schools near their residence and then comparing tuition expenses. However, a school is not always the right option simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Qualifications such as accreditation and reputation should be taken into consideration as well. We will cover those issues and other crucial questions that you must ask the interior design schools you are researching 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 Degree Programs

There are four degree alternatives available in interior design to obtain the training necessary to begin your new profession in Mequon WI. Your selection will undoubtedly 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 sure to select one that is accredited. Accreditation is mandated in order to take 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 short descriptions of the interior design degrees that are offered.

• Associate Degree. Associate degrees in interior design furnish the minimum level of education required to enter the profession. They take roughly two years to complete and programs are offered at a number of Wisconsin community colleges and vocational schools. Graduates can commonly obtain entry level positions as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are 4 year programs that provide more in depth training than the Associate Degree. They cover the technical and creative aspects of the trade needed to become a designer. They are the minimum degree needed by a college graduate in order to secure an entry level job as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These two year programs supply advanced design training after achieving a Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees offer choices in specialized majors in general areas such as business offices or residential bathrooms. Many students enroll to improve their skills to be more competitive in the job market.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctorate programs are largely 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 three to five years.

To work professionally and use the title of "Interior Designer", many states require that graduates of accredited degree programs become licensed. In several instances, 2 or more years of field experience may be required before an applicant can take the licensing exam.

Online Interior Designer Courses

For students who to study in the convenience of their Mequon WI homes, there are online accredited interior design degrees. Attending classes online can be a great option for those students that are employed 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 practical for the student. For many students online programs may be the only option if no interior design schools 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 study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated also. Just make sure that the program you choose 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 learning. If you have the dedication to acquire your degree without the confines of a physical classroom environment, then an online interior design college may be the perfect alternative for you.

Subjects to Ask Interior Design Programs

When you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the college has to be within driving distance from your Mequon WI home. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will decrease your options as well. But choosing the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to home are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you need to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Following are a few questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you examine and subsequently pick the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's important to verify that the interior design school and program that you enroll in has been accredited by either a national or regional agency. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive 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 confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are excellent, it may also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Mequon WI employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.

Does the Program Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of 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, a minimum of 2 years of professional experience may be required as well. So in addition to providing an exceptional education, the Mequon WI college you enroll in should also furnish the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for Wisconsin or the State where you will be employed.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly need some help in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are looking at 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 esteem within the interior design field and its graduates are sought after. It might also indicate that the school has a sizable network of Mequon WI business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Available? Contact the financial aid offices for the Mequon WI colleges you are evaluating and ask what type of aid they provide. A number of interior design colleges provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Some colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited college is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Big are the Classrooms? Small 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 Mequon WI programs you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Mequon home, visit the school and attend a couple of classes. While there 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? Finally, confirm that the interior design program you choose provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Mequon WI, verify that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, verify that is an alternative also. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.

Find Out More About Becoming an Interior Designer in Mequon

Enroll in the Right Mequon Interior Design College

Choosing the ideal interior design college is an important first step toward starting your career in this creative and gratifying occupation. Finding a school where you will obtain your education and cultivate your skills in a particular area of study is a daunting job no matter what field you have decided on. As with any endeavor to acquire a higher education, there are several factors to think about before enrolling in a school, program, or course. At a minimum, make sure that the program and design college are both accredited and highly respected in the profession. It is still important that you conduct your due diligence analysis. By doing so and following the balance of the suggestions provided in this article, you will be able to effectively evaluate and compare interior design schools so that you can make the appropriate ultimate selection. And with superior training and your drive to succeed, you can accomplish your goal of becoming an interior designer in Mequon Wisconsin.

 

Mequon Interior Design Schools | Mequon Interior Design Programs