Interior Designer Degree Program
How to Select the Right One Near Whitewater Wisconsin

So it’s time to start the task of choosing an interior design school near Whitewater WI once you have made a career choice to study to be an interior designer. Even if you have always had a talent for designing residential or commercial spaces, it's essential that you receive the right training to put your talents to work. And since interior designers are licensed in a number of states, the college you choose should prepare you to pass any required licensing test as well as provide the necessary training for your specialty. So in order to analyze and compare each program you are looking at prior to making your final selection it's essential that you do the appropriate due diligence. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school? When checking out interior design schools, the majority of students start by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. While location and cost are relevant issues when making a determination, they are by no means the sole ones. There are several other considerations that you should weigh when analyzing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. We will discuss those issues and other vital questions that you should be asking the interior design schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's talk a little bit about the degree and training options are offered.

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Interior Designer Degree Programs

There are 4 degree options offered in interior design to acquire the training required to begin your new profession in Whitewater WI. Your decision will no doubt be influenced by your career goals as well as the money and time that you have budgeted to invest in your education. But no matter which degree program you opt to enroll in, make sure to select one that is accredited. Accreditation is mandated in order to qualify for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination mandated in some states. More will be discussed 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 provide the minimum amount of training required to enter the field. They take approximately two years to finish and programs are offered at many Wisconsin trade schools and junior colleges. Graduates can normally obtain entry level positions as design assistants.
• Bachelor's Degree. Bachelor's degrees are 4 year programs that supply more in depth training than the Associate Degree. They cover the technical and creative components of the trade needed to become a designer. They are the lowest credential needed by a graduating student in order to secure an entry level position as an interior designer.
• Master's Degree. These 2 year programs supply advanced training in design after attaining the Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degrees provide choices in specialized majors for such things as residential bathrooms or business offices. A number of students enroll to advance their skills to be more competitive in their careers.
• Doctorate Degree. Doctorate degrees are primarily for those professionals who desire to teach interior design at a college or university level. The degree programs vary in length but are typically completed in three to five years.

To work professionally and adopt the title of "Interior Designer", many states require that graduates of accredited degree programs become licensed. In some instances, two or more years of professional experience may be called for before an applicant can sit for the licensing exam.

Online Interior Designer Courses

For individuals who wish to study in the convenience of their Whitewater WI homes, there are accredited online interior design degrees. Attending classes online can be a great alternative for those students that are working or have hectic 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 colleges may be the only option if no interior design programs are within commuting distance. And as an additional benefit, the tuition may be lower than for more conventional options. Additional expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated also. Just be sure that the school you select is accredited by a highly regarded accrediting organization, such as the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (more on accreditation later). Online colleges may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. If you have the discipline to acquire your degree without the structure of a physical classroom setting, then an online interior design school may be the right alternative for you.

Questions to Ask Interior Designer Schools

When you have chosen the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the task of evaluating your school options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the college has to be within driving distance from your Whitewater WI residence. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will limit your choices as well. But picking the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other factors that you need to consider as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the program. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you compare and ultimately select the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior design college and program that you enroll in has been accredited by either a national or regional agency. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding 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 acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are outstanding, it may also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Whitewater WI employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.

Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do require 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 mandating licensing, 2 or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. Therefore in addition to furnishing an outstanding education, the Whitewater WI program you select should also provide the proper training to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for Wisconsin or the State where you will be employed.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior design certification, you will probably need some assistance in finding your first position. 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 a good indication that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design field and its students are sought after. It could also indicate that the college has a substantial network of Whitewater WI business connections where they can place students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Contact the financial aid departments for the Whitewater WI schools you are evaluating and find out what kind of aid they offer. Many of interior design programs provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Some schools offer partial scholarships and others provide assistance in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited program is imperative for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classrooms? Small 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 Whitewater WI colleges you are considering what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Whitewater home, go to the campus and monitor a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior designer program you enroll in provides classes the fit your busy 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 Whitewater WI, make certain that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, check that is an option also. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.

Find Out More About Studying to Become an Interior Designer in Whitewater

Enroll in the Right Whitewater Interior Design College

Picking the right interior design school is an important initial step toward starting your career in this artistic and rewarding profession. Finding a college where you will obtain your training and develop your talents in a specific area of study is a difficult job regardless of what major you have decided on. As with any endeavor to acquire an advanced education, there are several factors to think about before selecting a school, program, or course. At a minimum, verify that the program and design college are both accredited and highly esteemed in the field. It is still imperative that you complete your due diligence analysis. By doing so and following the remaining recommendations presented in this article, you will be able to properly evaluate and compare interior design colleges so that you can make the appropriate final selection. And with superior training and your desire to succeed, you can achieve your goal of becoming an interior designer in Whitewater Wisconsin.

 

Whitewater Interior Design Programs | Whitewater Interior Design Courses