Planning Your Interior Design Education
Interior Design Home | Getting Started | Industry Info | Find Interior Design Schools
Getting Started Articles
Interior Design Education
What to Look for in an 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 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's
Individuals 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.
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.
Accreditation
The 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
Interior Design Home | Getting Started | Industry Info | Find Interior Design Schools