Planning Your Interior Design Education
What to Look for in an Interior Design Education
When your ready to start your interior design education, not just any school will do. Before allowing yourself to be lured by artsy brochures and convenient schedules, find out if the interior design education program you're considering will enable you to reach your end goal. It is crucial to research state licensing requirements for interior designers before enrolling in a program.
Once you have determined the standards you must meet for licensure, the most important issues to resolve are what kind of interior design degree you want and whether the program has the right accreditation.
Choosing an Interior Design Education: Associate's vs. Bachelor's Degree
Individuals wishing to be NCIDQ certified interior designers (a requirement for licensure in several states and jurisdictions) must have approximately six years of combined interior design education and full- or part-time work experience. Therefore, if you choose a certificate or associate’s degree in interior design, rather than a bachelor’s degree, you will need more work experience before you qualify to take the NCIDQ exam.
Interior Design School Accreditation
The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) is the primary accrediting body responsible for setting the standards for interior design education. While this is not the only accrediting body for interior design schools, some states will grant licensure only to individuals with a Council accredited education.
It may also be interesting to note that the Council currently requires schools seeking or renewing accreditation to show that their program leads to a bachelor's degree or better—or that they will meet this standard by 2010.
Interior Design Resources
Getting Started
Interior Designer: Job Description
Planning an Interior Design Education
Prepare for Interior Design School
Top Ten Interior Design Schools
Interior Design Training Courses
Get an Interior Design Degree Online
Getting Interior Design Job Experience
NCIDQ Certification
Getting Your Interior Designer License
Interior Design School Spotlight
Industry Information
Interior Design Career Outlook
Interior Designer Salary Info
Interior Design Specialties
Home Interior Design
Sustainable Interior Design
Career Path: Interior Decorating
Interview: Starting Your Interior Designer Career
Interview: Interior Designer Career Perspective
Helpful Interior Design Links