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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Schools
After you have decided on the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can start the task of evaluating your college options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the school has to be within driving distance from your East Florence AL home. Naturally if you are interested in attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will limit your choices also. But selecting the least expensive school or the one that is closest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you need to look at also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the school. Following are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are considering to get those answers in addition to others to help you assess and ultimately choose the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior design program and school that you enroll in has been accredited by either a regional or national organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and programs. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are outstanding, it might also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of East Florence AL employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.
Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in several of those States calling for licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. So in addition to furnishing an outstanding education, the East Florence AL school you enroll in should also provide the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with the minimum licensing requirements for Alabama or the State where you will be working.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly need some help in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design field and its graduates are in demand. It could also signify that the school has a large network of East Florence AL business relationships where they can place students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Assistance Provided? Contact the financial aid offices for the East Florence AL schools you are evaluating and ask what type of assistance they offer. A number of interior design schools offer financial assistance to their new students. Certain schools offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that choosing an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the East Florence AL colleges you are looking at what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your East Florence home, go to the campus and sit in on a few classes. While there speak 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? Finally, make sure that the interior designer college you enroll in offers classes the fit your busy 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 East Florence AL, verify that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, check that is an option also. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.