Interior Designer College
How to Enroll in the Right One Near South Milwaukee Wisconsin

So it’s time to begin the process of choosing an interior design school near South Milwaukee WI now that you have made a career decision to study to be an interior designer. 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 interior designers are licensed in several states, the college you choose should prepare you to pass any required licensing test and provide the necessary training for your specialty. So it's essential you do the appropriate research so that you can analyze and compare each college that you are considering before you make your final choice. But exactly where do you start? When looking for interior design schools, many potential students begin by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. While cost and location are relevant variables when making a determination, they should not be the sole ones. There are several other factors that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will cover those issues and other crucial questions that you must ask the interior design schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's cover a little bit about the degree and class alternatives are offered.

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Interior Designer Degrees

There are 4 degree options available in interior design to receive the training necessary to start your new career in South Milwaukee WI. Your decision will undoubtedly be motivated by your career objectives in addition to the money and time that you have budgeted to invest in your education. But no matter which degree program you decide to enroll in, be sure to pick one that is accredited. Accreditation is mandated in order to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam required in a number of 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. Associate degrees in interior design provide the minimum level of training required to enter the profession. They take roughly two years to complete and programs are available at many Wisconsin trade schools and junior colleges. Graduates can typically qualify for entry level positions as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are 4 year programs that provide more extensive training than the Associate Degree. They cover the creative and technical aspects of the trade required to become a designer. They are the lowest degree needed by a graduating student 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 achieving a Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees provide choices in specialized majors for such things as residential bathrooms or business offices. Many students enroll to advance 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 differ in length but are typically completed in three to five years.

To work as a professional and use the title of "Interior Designer", many states require that graduates of accredited schools become licensed. In several instances, two or more years of field experience may be called for before an applicant can sit for the licensing examination.

Interior Design Online Schools

For individuals who wish to study in the comfort of their South Milwaukee WI homes, there are online accredited interior design colleges. Attending classes online can be an excellent option for those students that are employed or have busy schedules that make going to classes on campus difficult. Classes can instead be attended on a home computer or laptop when practical for the student. For a number of students online schools may be the sole alternative if no interior design schools are within commuting distance. And as an additional benefit, the tuition may be cheaper than for more conventional options. Additional expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be decreased or eliminated also. Just make sure that the program you enroll in is accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency, such as the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (more on accreditation later). Online colleges may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. If you have the discipline to acquire your degree without the structure of a physical classroom environment, then an online interior design college may be the perfect alternative for you.

What to Ask Interior Designer Schools

Once 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 an important issue, especially if the college has to be within commuting distance from your South Milwaukee WI residence. Of course if you are interested in attending an online school, or are willing 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 cheapest school or the one that is closest to your residence are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you need to look at as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Following are a few concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you examine and subsequently choose the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's important to confirm that the interior design college and program that you select has been accredited by either a national or regional organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive assessment of their programs and teachers. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are exceptional, it may also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of South Milwaukee WI employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the Program Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do mandate that interior designers get 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 college. And in some of those States calling for licensing, two or more years of work experience may be required also. So besides providing an exceptional education, the South Milwaukee WI program you select should also provide the appropriate education to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for Wisconsin or the State where you will be working.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and received your interior design certification, you will no doubt want some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design field and its students are sought after. It may also signify that the school has a large network of South Milwaukee WI business relationships where they can place students to obtain internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial assistance departments for the South Milwaukee WI colleges you are reviewing and ask what kind of support they provide. A number of interior design programs provide financial aid to their incoming students. Certain schools offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited college is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classes? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the South Milwaukee WI programs you are reviewing what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your South Milwaukee home, visit the college and sit in on a few classes. While there talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make sure that the interior design college you enroll in provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near South Milwaukee WI, make sure that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an alternative as well. Finally, check what the process is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Learn More About How to Become an Interior Designer in South Milwaukee

Choose the Best South Milwaukee Interior Design School

Choosing the ideal interior design program is an important first step toward launching your career in this artistic and fulfilling profession. Locating a school where you will obtain your training and develop your talents in a specific area of study is a challenging job regardless of what major you have selected. As with any undertaking to receive a higher education, there are several factors to consider before choosing a program, course or school. At a minimum, verify that the program and design school are both accredited and highly esteemed in the profession. It is still imperative that you perform your due diligence analysis. By doing so and following the remaining recommendations provided in this article, you will be able to effectively assess and compare interior design schools so that you can make the right ultimate selection. And with superior training and your drive to succeed, you can reach your goal of becoming an interior designer in South Milwaukee Wisconsin.

 

South Milwaukee Interior Design Colleges | South Milwaukee Interior Design Classes