Planning Your Interior Design Education Make your interior design education work for you. Getting Started ArticlesInterior Designer: Job Description Planning an Interior Design Education Prepare for Interior Design School Interior Design Training Courses Get an Interior Design Degree Online Getting Interior Design Job Experience Getting Your Interior Designer License Interior Design School Spotlight Industry Info ArticlesInterior Design Career Outlook Career Path: Interior Decorating Interview: Starting Your Interior Designer Career What to Look for in an Interior Design EducationNot just any school will do. Before allowing yourself to be lured by artsy brochures and convenient schedules, find out if the interior design program you are 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 Degree: Associate's vs. Bachelor'sIndividuals wishing to be NCIDQ certified interior designers (a requirement for licensure in several states and jurisdictions) must have approximately six years of combined 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. AccreditationThe Council for Interior Design Accreditation (formerly FIDER) 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. Next Step: Getting Work Experience School Spotlight Study Interior Design at an Art Institute near you. With online degree offerings and locations nationwide, you may not have to travel far to benefit from an education at one of these prestigious art schools. Find a location near you. |
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