Choosing an Interior Design School
By Kathy A. Johnson
Interior Design School Review Columnist
Your choice of an interior design school will have a big impact on your career as a designer. You want the best education you can get, and a chance to make contacts with professionals in the field.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing your interior design school:
Learn more about The Art Institute Online's Bachelor Degree program in Interior Design.
Is the Program Accredited?
To ensure quality design education, start by looking for programs accredited by the Foundation of Interior Design Education Research (FIDER). FIDER's purpose is to ensure a high level of quality in interior design education. Accreditation is a voluntary process, and FIDER uses internationally recognized education standards to evaluate programs.
What Type of Degree?
Several programs exist, including:
- Certificate Programs. These are two-year programs that grant certificates, and are usually found at technical institutes. They are not accredited, and primary emphasis is on training for positions like illustrator, office administrator, or support staff for a design firm, not for an interior design career.
- Four-year Professional or Baccalaureate Programs. Completing these programs will make you academically qualified to become a professional interior designer. (You'll still need work experience to become a true professional.)
How Much Will It Cost?
Tuition, books and other supplies, housing... It all adds up. One way to cut costs is to search for school close enough to allow you to live at home.
What Type of Atmosphere?
Do you want to go to a large university? Or would you prefer the less-intimidating atmosphere of a small school? Would you like to be in a big city or smaller town? Whatever you decide, visit the campus if possible. Talk to faculty and students. You'll get a feel for the atmosphere you can't get from just reading about it.
Many good programs in interior design exist. Consider these factors, choose the best interior design school for you, and get off to a solid start in your design career.
About the Author:
Kathy A. Johnson has written articles on health, fitness, and many other topics in her career as a freelance writer and editor. She lives in Florida, and is the features editor of Forum, a bimonthly publication of the national mothers group, Mothers & More.
Sources
- Opportunities in Interior Design and Decorating Careers, by Victoria Kloss Ball
- http://www.FIDER.org
- http://www.ASID.org
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