Frequently Asked Questions
What’s involved in the accreditation process?
What do the standards measure?
How long does the accreditation process take?
Doesn’t the government regulate education?
As a student, how do I benefit from attending an accredited program?
Do I have to graduate from an accredited program to legally practice interior design?
What does it mean if a program is not accredited?
Are programs accredited forever?
What type of interior design programs does the Council accredit?
Does the Council rank interior design programs?
Who should I contact for more information on accredited programs?
Where can I find out more information about career options in the interior design field?
What does accreditation mean?
Accreditation is a process of self-evaluation and peer assessment that promotes achievement of high academic standards, while making education more responsive to students’ and society's needs. Standards developed by interior design practitioners and educators and concern for continued growth and development are central to accreditation. Accreditation also sends a message to the public that the institution and/or its programs have accepted and are fulfilling a commitment to educational quality.
What’s involved in the accreditation process?
The accreditation process begins with a comprehensive self-study by the program, followed by a series of evaluations and reviews by a Council visiting team, its Evaluation Committee, and finally the Accreditation Commission. The Commission makes the final decision to award or deny accreditation. All evaluators are interior design practitioners and educators.
What do the standards measure?
The standards measure outcomes of the program in its entirety, not necessarily individual courses or a specific curriculum. Student learning is a primary indicator of educational quality and is demonstrated largely by the student work reviewed during a site visit. Council standards describe student learning expectations and use the following key terms to identify the level of learning required: knowledge, understanding, ability, skills, appropriate application, and competency. Professional standards can be downloaded here.
How long does the accreditation process take?
A program must submit an application and demonstrate that eligibility requirements have been met before a Council evaluation. Once the application has been submitted and accepted, a visiting team is assigned and a site visit is scheduled. The program must also submit a self-study report prior to the site visit. The time frame for the entire process can vary in length from one to two years.
Doesn’t the government regulate education?
While government regulation of education can be found in most other countries, the United States and Canada use the accreditation process instead. Accreditation is nongovernmental, self-regulating, peer-based and voluntary.
As a student, how do I benefit from attending an accredited program?
Enrolling in an accredited interior design program means you can be confident that the program meets the standards recognized by the profession and fulfills the educational requirements necessary for your entry into the profession upon graduation. An accredited program has voluntarily placed itself before the scrutiny of the profession--investing time, energy, and money--to ensure that the education you receive will serve you not only during your time at school, but also ensure you are poised for future professional growth.
Do I have to graduate from an accredited program to legally practice interior design?
Though graduation from an accredited program is not required to become licensed as an interior designer in all states, accreditation provides greater ease of access to licensing or registration in many states. Regulation of interior design varies from state to state, and educational requirements for licensure or registration refer to accreditation with varying degrees of specificity and stringency. Taking the time now to become informed about this important element of the profession will serve you well in choosing an interior design program that provides the greatest degree of security and flexibility for the future. More information about registration and licensing can be found at the website of the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ).
What does it mean if a program is not accredited?
Several factors may influence a program’s decision not to seek accreditation status. First, some may not offer programs that culminate in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, and thus are not eligible to see Council accreditation (a policy effective in 2004). Others may not have the desire or economic ability to apply.
Are programs accredited forever?
No. The maximum term of accreditation is six years. Then the program must be re-evaluated to make certain it continues to meet Council standards.
What type of interior design programs does the Council accredit?
The Council accredits professional level programs that provide education for entry-level interior designers. These programs may exist in different types of institutions. As of January 1, 2004, a program must culminate in a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible to seek Council accreditation. Programs that were accredited prior to that date, but do not culminate in a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, must demonstrate compliance with this requirement by January 1, 2010, in order to maintain accreditation. Interior design programs may offer more than one type of certificate or degree, so students should ask specifically which is accredited.
Does the Council rank interior design programs?
No. Programs are measured against Council standards, not against one another. Students should evaluate accredited programs based on each one’s mission, resources, faculty, culture and geographic location. In choosing a program, a student should select the one that best meets his or her needs.
Who should I contact for more information on accredited programs?
A list of accredited programs is available on this web site. For more information about a particular program, contact the director of the program you are interested in or visit the program’s web site. If a program is not listed here, identify and contact the director to determine whether it is in the process of seeking accreditation. If you still have questions, contact the Council directly.
Where can I find out more information about career options in the interior design field?
Visit the interior design careers web site (www.careersininteriordesign.com), sponsored by the major interior design organizations in the United States and Canada. You will find useful facts about what it's like to be an interior designer, how to choose an academic program, licensing requirements, the benefits of joining a professional organization, and much more.