Interior decorators spend their days adorning interior spaces, large and small. They are responsible for making decisions about lighting, furnishings, paint, fabrics, and other materials. A degree in fine art with a interior decorating focus can help prepare you for a career as an interior decorator for residential firms, commercial firms, real estate firms, consulting firms or for private practice. An associate degree in interior design can help get your foot in the door as well.
Fortunately, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) accredits 300 art and decorator programs. The Council for Interior Decorator accredits more than 100 interior decorator programs across the U.S Many art and design programs, have also been accredited regional agencies such as the Western Association of Schools and College (WASC), New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS), Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
Depending on the institution, several learning formats may be available including traditional (entirely on-campus), online (entirely online), or blended. The blended format offers a combination of online and on-campus courses. Most traditional colleges and universities give students the option to take interior decorator courses online. Most online programs also have virtual labs for students to create and practice decorating spaces.
Many working and continuing/adult education students as well as students with major scheduling conflicts find that the blended or online option is much easier to manage. Online students may also opt for this format if the school of their choice is too far to commute. In some cases, students would prefer not to relocate, so they may choose the online option as well.
While both the online option and the on-campus provide a high quality education for students, there are several differences that mat not work for some students. The online option might be more difficult as students are expected to be very disciplined and organized. They must also work very well unsupervised. It is the student’s responsibility to log in for a specific number of hours per course, to turn in assignments on or before set deadlines, and to post to discussion boards in a timely and professional manner. A significant portion of the online students grade depends on participation. This is not really the case in on-campus environments where the student need only show up and listen to the lecture.
Some students might also miss the face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers, while others might see this is as a distraction. So, when it comes to making the decision to choose an online program over an on-campus program, it really boils down to a matter of preference as both types of degrees are valid in the career world.
When applying for online interior decorator degree programs, however, you should always check to make sure the school is accredited by a recognized agency. Visit the U.S. Department of Education at Ed.gov for a full list of accredited agencies. Also, accredited online programs should have the same curriculum requirements as traditional programs. Review the interior decorator curriculum for a top school such as Parsons - The New School for Design in New York, NY. Compare it to the program you have chosen. If the curriculum for the program you have chosen seems a little off and the school has not been accredited by a recognized agency, you should think twice before applying.
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