IT TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES TO START YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN CAREER BELOW!
What to Ask Interior Designer Programs
Once you have decided on the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of assessing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the school needs to be within commuting distance from your Eagle River AK residence. Obviously if you have decided on attending an online school, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will limit your choices as well. But picking the most affordable college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you should look at as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Following are a list of questions that you may want to address with the colleges you are reviewing to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you assess and ultimately select the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's important to confirm that the interior designer program and school that you enroll in has been accredited by either a regional or national agency. 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 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 acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are exceptional, it might also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Eagle River AK employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.
Does the Program Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States mandating licensing, 2 or more years of work experience may be required also. So aside from furnishing an exceptional education, the Eagle River AK program you select should also provide the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with the minimum requirements for licensing for Alaska or the State where you will be working.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will no doubt want 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 high rate is an excellent indication that the college and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design trade and its students are in demand. It could also signify that the college has a sizable network of Eagle River AK business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Eagle River AK colleges you are evaluating and find out what kind of aid they offer. A number of interior design colleges provide financial aid to their new students. Certain colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in obtaining grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.
How Large are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Eagle River AK programs you are looking at what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Eagle River home, visit the college and attend a couple of classes. While there talk with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior designer college you choose provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Eagle River AK, make certain that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, check that is an alternative as well. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.