IT TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES TO START YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN CAREER BELOW!
Subjects to Ask Interior Design Programs
Once you have decided on the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the task of analyzing your college options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the campus needs to be within driving distance from your Muscle Shoals AL residence. Naturally if you are interested in attending an online school, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will narrow down your options also. But selecting the least expensive school or the one that is closest to your house are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you should look at as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask the programs you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you examine and subsequently choose the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's imperative to make sure that the interior design college and program that you choose has been accredited by either a national or regional organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive assessment of their programs and instructors. Just make sure that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are excellent, it may also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, many Muscle Shoals AL employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.
Does the Program Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited program. And in several of those States requiring licensing, two or more years of professional experience may be required also. So in addition to furnishing an outstanding education, the Muscle Shoals AL college you select should also furnish the appropriate education to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum licensing requirements for Alabama or the State where you will be employed.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior design certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent indication that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design field and its graduates are in demand. It may also indicate that the school has a significant network of Muscle Shoals AL business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Muscle Shoals AL schools you are looking at and ask what kind of aid they provide. Many of interior designer schools provide financial aid to their new students. Certain colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide support in acquiring grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that choosing an accredited school is imperative for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.
How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Muscle Shoals AL schools you are reviewing what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Muscle Shoals home, go to the school and sit in on a couple of classes. While there speak with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior design college you choose offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Muscle Shoals AL, make certain that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, verify that is an option as well. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.