Best And Top Interior Design Schools: FIDER Accredited, Education, Colleges And Universities

Interior design is a competitive and demanding career. A proper base of knowledge can make the difference between success and disappointment. If you enter into this field of work, you need to be prepared; you will not pass the license exam with only your eye for color and your good taste. While those instincts help, there is a wide spectrum of knowledge benefiting those looking to begin a lucrative career in interior design.

There are interior design schools qualified and accredited in this field throughout the United States. When it comes to your education, search for the schools that will best attend to your needs.

There are many interior design schools to choose from and the options can be confusing, if not overwhelming.

What to look for in interior design schools:

Education program and the final degree it awards. Some interior design schools only offer specialized areas of interior design. If you know you only want to work in residential homes, be sure the school offers classes focusing on this subject. However, in college your ideas and goals may change; it may be a good idea to look for a school offering a wide range of classes.

Location and resources. Some interior design schools are located in smaller cites. They may have the resources to teach, but there is something to be said for living in a big city where the heart of fashion thrives. Be sure you like the school; you will be spending three to four years there.

Records former students and faculty experience. If a past student went on to do something great, the school likely will publicize it. This is a good guide for how well the interior design school and students do when they are in the real world. Faculty experience is an absolute must. They should be working professionals, meaning they work in the field they teach.

The best interior design schools will offer smaller classes, career placement assistance and financial aid.

As a student you will benefit from attending an accredited school. The Foundation for Interior Design and Education Research (FIDER) accredited schools have programs known to go above and beyond. FIDER accredited schools ensure the classes will benefit students during school, but more importantly accredited interior design schools prepare students for the profession upon graduation.

According to Interior Design Program Review, these were the top interior design schools of 2005:

1.University of Cincinnati, Ohio. It offers top interdisciplinary design classes through its College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning.

2. Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York. These colleges offer socially and architecturally-conscious B.F.A. programs in Interior Design. They have graduated the "Who's Who" of contemporary designers.

3. Kansas State University, Manhattan, New York. This university has had a top program for six years. It offers a versatile Interior Architecture/Design degree for a bargain price.

4. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. This university awards its Interior Design degree through the Department of Design & Environmental Analysis, College of Human Ecology.

5. Arizona State University, Tempe. It offers a five-year B.S.D. degree in Interior Design though the College of Architecture and Environmental Design.

Interior designers need to be imaginative and artistic. They also need to be skilled business people. Interior design schools will combine creativity and practical knowledge needed to be a success in this competitive field.



Sources:
"Interior Design Schools." Interior Design Schools. 2003. 7 Dec. 2006 .
"It's Where We Work." American Society of Interior Design. 2005. American Society of Interior Designers, Inc. 7 Dec. 2006 .
"The Top Interior Design Schools of 2005." Interior Design Program Reviwe. 7 Dec. 2006 .
"Welcome to Interior Design Schools." Interior Design Schools. 7 Dec. 2006 .