Interior Designer Program
How to Pick the Right One Near Platteville Wisconsin

Once you have decided to enroll in an interior design degree program near Platteville WI, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. It's imperative that you get the appropriate training to develop your skills, even if you have always had a talent 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 preparation to pass a licensing examination as well. So in order to evaluate and compare each school you are considering prior to making your ultimate choice it's crucial that you carry out the proper due diligence. But where do you begin? Some prospective students will kick off their research by looking for interior design programs near their home and then comparing tuition expenses. While cost and location are key factors when making a decision, they are by no means the sole ones. There are several other considerations that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. We will address those topics and other crucial questions that you must ask the interior design schools you are looking at later in this article. But before we do, 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 and Interior Decoration

Some people mistake interior decoration for interior design and conversely. The main difference between them is the level of training required. Any person can do business as an interior decorator if they have a basic knowledge of or a skill for decorating interior spaces. On the other hand, doing business as an interior designer requires a formal education and in a number of states one must have an accredited Bachelor's or Associate Degree as well as be licensed. Interior designers are trained to make work or residential areas functional as well as attractive. On some projects they may work together with building engineers and architects. There are 2 general categories that an interior designer in Platteville WI may specialize in:

• Residential Designing. Interior Designers often work on existing homes as well as new construction. They can design basically any area of a house, including bedrooms, closets and basements. Or they can specialize in designing one specific room, for instance kitchens or bathrooms.
• Commercial Designing. When working on public or commercial spaces, designers frequently concentrate predominantly on either aesthetic appeal or functionality but pay attention to both. As an example, business meeting rooms and reception areas are areas where aesthetics may be focused on over function. Designs for banks and hospitals may concentrate more on functionality over appearance as the main consideration.

There are various areas of residential and commercial interior design that a designer must learn, including lighting, color schemes, furniture and acoustics. Designers need to be able to use graphic design and read blue prints in order to produce their visions. From picking wall paper and carpeting to including Feng shui concepts, Platteville WI interior designers utilize a wide range of skills that contribute to their ultimate designs.

Interior Design Degrees

There are 4 degree options available in interior design to receive the training necessary to launch your new profession in Platteville WI. Your choice will no doubt be influenced by your career goals as well as the time and money that you have budgeted to commit to your education. But regardless of which degree program you decide to enroll in, make sure to choose one that is accredited. Accreditation is required in order to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination required in several states. More will be covered on additional benefits of accreditation later. Below are brief explanations of the interior design degrees that are available.

• Associate Degree. Associate degrees in interior design supply the minimum amount of education needed to enter the profession. They take roughly 2 years to complete and programs are offered at numerous Wisconsin vocational schools and community colleges. Graduates can normally qualify for entry level jobs as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are 4 year programs that supply more in depth training than the Associate Degree. They deal with the technical and creative components of the business 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 two year programs supply advanced design training after acquiring a Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees offer options in specialty majors in general areas such as business offices or residential bathrooms. A number of students enroll to enhance their skills to be more competitive in the job market.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctoral programs are primarily for those professionals who want to teach interior design at a college or university level. The degree programs vary in length but are usually completed in 3 to 5 years.

To work professionally and use the title of "Interior Designer", a number of states mandate that graduates of accredited colleges become licensed. In some instances, 2 or more years of professional experience may be called for before an applicant can sit for the licensing examination.

Interior Designer Online Schools

For students who to study in the comfort of their Platteville WI homes, there are online accredited interior design degrees. Attending classes online can be an excellent alternative for those students that are employed or have hectic schedules that make going to 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 sole option if no interior design colleges are within commuting distance. And as an additional benefit, the tuition may be lower than for more conventional options. Added expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated also. Just make sure that the college you choose is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, such as the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (more on accreditation later). Online schools may also acquire 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 right option for you.

What to Ask Interior Design Colleges

When you have decided on the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can start the task of evaluating your school options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the school needs to be within driving distance from your Platteville WI home. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will narrow down your choices also. But selecting the least expensive college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you should consider also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the program. Following are a list of questions that you may want to address with the schools you are considering to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you assess and subsequently pick the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior designer program and school that you choose has been accredited by either a national or regional organization. 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 assessment of their teachers and programs. Just verify 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 establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are outstanding, it might also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Platteville WI employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.

Does the School 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 as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States calling for licensing, at least 2 years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore besides providing an outstanding education, the Platteville WI program you choose should also furnish the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for Wisconsin or the State where you will be working.

What is the Program'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 position. Ask the schools that you are looking at if they have a job placement program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good indication that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design field and its graduates are sought after. It could also signify that the college has a sizable network of Platteville WI business relationships where they can refer students to obtain internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Platteville WI schools you are reviewing and find out what type of aid they offer. Many of interior designer programs offer financial assistance to their new students. Various schools offer partial scholarships and others provide help in securing grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school 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 personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Platteville WI schools you are considering what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Platteville home, go to the school and monitor a couple of classes. While there speak with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior designer program you enroll in provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly significant if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Platteville WI, verify that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, check that is an option also. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.

Learn More About Becoming an Interior Designer in Platteville

Choose the Best Platteville Interior Design College

Choosing the right interior designer school is a crucial first step toward starting your career in this creative and gratifying occupation. Locating a school where you will receive your education and cultivate your skills in a specific area of study is a difficult task no matter what field you have chosen. As with any endeavor to acquire a higher education, there are many things to consider before selecting a school, program, or course. At a minimum, confirm that the program and design college are both accredited and highly regarded in the field. It is still essential that you conduct your due diligence research. By doing so and following the remaining suggestions provided in this article, you will be able to properly review and compare interior design colleges so that you can make the right final selection. And with excellent training and your determination to succeed, you can accomplish your goal of becoming an interior designer in Platteville Wisconsin.

 

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