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Interior Designer Degree Program
How to Select the Best One Near Athens Alabama

Athens Alabama spacious interior designed office meeting roomSo it’s time to begin the process of choosing an interior design school near Athens AL now that you have made a career decision to study to be an interior designer. It's important that you get the best available training to put your skills to work, even if you have always had a knack for designing commercial or residential interiors. And since several states do require that interior designers become licensed, depending on your state of residence you could need preparation to pass a licensing examination as well. So in order to analyze and compare each program you are looking at prior to making your final selection it's crucial that you carry out the appropriate due diligence. But exactly where do you start? Many future students will begin their research by looking for interior design schools near their residence and then comparing tuition costs. While cost and location are relevant issues when making a determination, they are by no means the sole ones. Qualifications such as accreditation and reputation need to be taken into account as well. We will discuss those topics and other vital questions that you must ask the interior design schools you are reviewing in more detail below. 

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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Schools

Athens Alabama interior designed family room

Now that you have chosen the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the process of evaluating your college options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the school must be within commuting distance from your Athens AL residence. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will limit your choices as well. But picking the cheapest college or the one that is closest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you should consider also, including the accreditation and reputation of the program. Following are a list of questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are looking at to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you examine and subsequently select the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's imperative to make sure that the interior designer college and program that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a regional or national organization. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous assessment of their teachers and programs. Just make sure that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are exceptional, it might also help when requesting financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Athens AL employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the College Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited program. And in some of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of work experience may be required as well. Therefore in addition to furnishing an excellent education, the Athens AL college you select should also provide the suitable training to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum requirements for licensing for Alabama or the State where you will be employed.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It could also signify that the school has a substantial network of Athens AL business connections where they can place students to obtain internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Available? Contact the financial aid departments for the Athens AL colleges you are reviewing and ask what type of aid they offer. A number of interior design colleges offer financial aid to their incoming students. Some schools provide partial scholarships and others provide help in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Small are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Athens AL colleges you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Athens home, visit the school and sit in on a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior designer college you choose offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Athens AL, confirm that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, check that is an alternative as well. Finally, check what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.

Find Out More About Becoming an Interior Designer in Athens

Choose the Best Athens Interior Design College

Picking the right interior designer school is a crucial first step toward starting your career in this artistic and rewarding occupation. Finding a college where you will obtain your education and develop your skills in a particular area of study is a daunting job no matter what field you have decided on. As with any undertaking to attain an advanced education, there are a number of points to consider before selecting a program, course or school. At a minimum, confirm that the design college and program are both accredited and highly regarded in the field. It is still important that you perform your due diligence research. By doing so and following the balance of the recommendations presented in this article, you will be able to effectively evaluate and compare interior design schools so that you can make the ideal ultimate selection. And with quality training and your determination to succeed, you can reach your goal of becoming an interior designer in Athens Alabama.





 

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