Ashworth College is nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Its educators are practicing professionals in their fields, and both teachers and advisers are available for questions by phone, fax or email.
Ashworth's Interior Decorating program includes 18 lessons. Each one starts with a preview and objectives, some words from the instructor, and vocabulary words and terms. The reading assignment, complete with practice exercises, teaches the lesson and then reviews it. An open-book exam is taken online at the end of each lesson.
Lesson one is an introductory overview. It discusses, as the website indicates, "the design studio; understanding clients' needs; the lifestyle questionnaire; fees; the design process; creating the furniture plan; contract documentation; working with suppliers; and supervising the completion of a project." The rest of the lessons cover such things as measuring, color and design, lighting, textiles, flooring and wall coverings, windows, doors, fireplaces, furniture styles, space planning and accessorizing.
The last lesson prepares the student for life as a decorator. It discusses residential and non-residential careers, professional responsibilities, the decorator-client relationship, preparing for the career search and where the career opportunities are.
Some students can complete the program in 12 to 18 months, depending on whether they are working on the classes full time or part time. All exams are open-book, and all course materials are mailed to the student's home and are included in the tuition cost.
Those who want to enroll at Ashworth College should contact the school by phone at (800) 957-5412 or online.