The Nation's Best Design Schools: Accreditation & Curriculum Requirements

The nation's best design schools have several things in common: they are competitive and selective, and the programs are challenging. In addition, the nations best design schools follow certain procedures to the letter. They all have strict admissions requirements, they follow specific curriculums, and they are accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The top two accrediting agencies for design schools are The National Association of Schools of Art and Design and The Council for Interior Design.

The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits 300 postsecondary programs with programs in art and design and The Council for Interior Design accredits more than 150 interior programs that lead to a bachelor's or master's degree. Other recognized accrediting agencies include:

-Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

-New England Association of Schools and Colleges

-North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

-Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

-Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

-Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Curriculum requirements will vary by degree program, but a high quality,

well-rounded design program will require a combination of general education courses, major courses, and relevant electives. General education requirements for the best design schools typically include English/college writing (two courses), literature, arts/liberal arts, historical studies, social and behavioral science courses, biological sciences, physical sciences, math, and analytical reasoning.

Again, major courses and electives will depend on your specific major.

Finally, admission requirements for best design schools are strict. In addition to official test scores, official transcripts from all schools attended, a statement of purpose or essay, and verifiable recommendation letters, design students will have to submit high quality samples of their work. Faculty members and program department heads will evaluate these samples. In addition, a strong academic background will be required. Talent plays a major role in acceptance, but so does a 3.00 GPA or higher for the best design schools.

Resources:

If you would like more information about the best design schools or careers in design visit design-schools.us.

The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics at http://www.bls.gov/ is another great resource to learn about design careers.