Interior Designer Degree
How to Select the Right One Near Fairbanks Alaska

So it’s time to start the task of picking an interior design school near Fairbanks AK once you have made a career choice to study to be an interior designer. Even if you have always had a gift for designing residential or commercial interiors, it's imperative that you get the appropriate training to put your natural abilities to work. And since some states do mandate that interior designers become licensed, depending on your state of residence you could need training to pass a licensing exam also. So in order to evaluate and compare each program you are considering before you make your ultimate choice it's very important that you carry out the proper research. But just how do you undertake finding the right school? When looking for interior design schools, many potential students start by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are several other qualifications that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. We will address those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the interior design schools you are interested in in more detail below. 

IT TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES TO START YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN CAREER BELOW!

Topics to Ask Interior Design Programs

After you have selected the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the task of reviewing your school options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the campus needs to be within commuting distance from your Fairbanks AK home. Of course if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will decrease your options also. But selecting the most affordable college or the one that is closest to home are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you need to look at also, including the accreditation and reputation of the college. Below are a list of questions that you may want to address with the schools you are looking at to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you assess and subsequently select the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the interior designer college and program that you enroll in has been accredited by either a national or regional agency. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding assessment of their teachers and programs. Just confirm that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. 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 offered for non-accredited schools. Also, many Fairbanks AK employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

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 in addition to a degree from an accredited school. And in some of those States mandating licensing, a minimum of 2 years of work experience may be required also. Therefore aside from providing an outstanding education, the Fairbanks AK program you select should also furnish the appropriate education to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum licensing requirements for Alaska or the State where you will be employed.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly need some support in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are looking at if they have a job placement 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 regarded within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It may also signify that the college has a large network of Fairbanks AK business connections where they can place students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Provided? Contact the financial aid offices for the Fairbanks AK schools you are evaluating and find out what type of aid they provide. A number of interior designer programs offer financial assistance to their incoming students. Various schools offer partial scholarships while others provide support in securing federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive little individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Fairbanks AK schools you are looking at what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Fairbanks home, visit the college 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 approaches are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior designer program you choose offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Fairbanks 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 option as well. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Learn More About Becoming an Interior Designer in Fairbanks

Choose the Right Fairbanks Interior Design College

Selecting the ideal interior design school is a critical initial step toward starting your career in this artistic and rewarding occupation. Locating a college where you will receive your training and cultivate your talents in a particular area of study is a daunting job no matter what major you have selected. As with any endeavor to attain a higher education, there are many things to consider before selecting a course, program or school. At a minimum, verify that the program and design college are both accredited and highly respected in the profession. It is still imperative that you perform your due diligence research. By doing so and following the balance of the recommendations provided in this article, you will be able to effectively evaluate and compare interior design colleges so that you can make the ideal ultimate selection. And with quality training and your drive to succeed, you can reach your goal of becoming an interior designer in Fairbanks Alaska.

 

Fairbanks Interior Design Colleges | Fairbanks Interior Design Classes