How to Find an Accredited Interior Decorating and Design School

• The best place to research interior decoration and design schools is online. Two helpful websites are: http://www.i-d-d.com/interior_design_education/interior_design_school_article.htm and http://www.findyourartschool.com/ep/interior-design-schools.php.
  
  There are 150 interior decorating and design programs in the United States that accredited by The Council for Interior Design. Some of the top schools include: University of Cincinnati (Ohio), Pratt Institute (New York), Cornell University (New York), Kansas State University (Kansas) and Arizona State (Arizona). The Art Institute of Toronto (Canada) and American Intercontinental University (London) are well-known international interior decorating and design schools.
  
  Interior decorating and design schools offer an array of classes and programs. Some schools are known specifically for their design specialties such as: set design, commercial interior design, residential interior design, exhibit design, lighting design and space planning.
  
  

Criteria and Curriculum

• When choosing a top interior decorating and design school, students need to look at several factors. Accreditation is important to consider. Accredited schools that have met certain standards are more respected by design firms and provide students more opportunities after they graduate. Students also should review design internship programs, and make sure the school is a good fit for their budget and career goals.
  
  Online design programs also are available that allow students to go to school part-time. Online schools are becoming popular among part-time students. Students can check out the following websites for more information about online schools and classes http://www.schools-of-interior-design.com/Online-Interior-Design-Schools.htm and http://www.artschools.com/online-degrees.
  
  Before enrolling in design classes, students usually must first complete basic prerequisite classes. The curriculum for interior decorating and design school depends upon the college or school. Some offer two-year programs for either an associate's degree or a certificate in interior design. Others offer either a Bachelor of Art or Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. For students who attend school part time, it might take them six years to graduate from an interior decorating and design school.
  
  Some sample curriculum classes include: computer aided drafting, 3-D modeling, space planning, textiles and finishes, and retail/hospitality design. Students can emphasize in either residential or commercial design.
  
  

Costs and Fees

• Interior decorating and design schools can be either private or public colleges. Depending upon the state, region and tuition, schools could either be very costly or less expensive. Tuition can range from $20,000 per year (two-year public colleges) to $50,000 per year (private four-year colleges). If students are attending a four-year college, costs and fees usually include tuition, books, and housing/food costs. Grants and loans can help cover costs and fees. Students can learn more information about federal grants and loans http://www.nslds.ed.gov/nslds_SA.
  
  

How Students Can Prepare

• For high school students or college students looking to enroll in interior decorating and design school, they should take as many art and interior design classes as they can. It's also helpful to take architecture, landscaping and fine arts classes. Students should interview interior designers and shadow designers to understand more about the interior decorating and design industry.
  
  Shows such as HGTV (Home and Garden Television) www.hgtv.com feature many interior decorating and design shows offer a fresh perspective on current design trends. It's also helpful for students to read interior design and decorating magazines and read information online about the interior decorating and design industry. http://www.asid.org.
  
  

Helpful Hints

• Students shouldn't simply pick from a list of top design schools. They should research the schools online and also visit the campus. They should talk to other design students who've attended different schools. In addition, they should interview interior decorators and designers to see if this path is right for them.
  
  

Careers in Interior Design

• After graduating, students have diverse career choices in interior decorating and design. Licensing tests and special certifications are sometimes required to practice interior decorating and design in certain states. Some career paths include: residential, commercial, hospitality/hotels, ergonomic and green design, feng shui, and kitchen and bath designers.