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Interior Designer College
How to Select the Right One Near Juneau Alaska

Juneau Alaska modern interior designed meeting roomSo it’s time to start the process of selecting an interior design school near Juneau AK now that you have made a career choice to become an interior designer. It's imperative that you get the appropriate training to develop your skills, even if you have always had a talent for designing residential or commercial interiors. And since interior designers must be licensed in a number of states, the school you select should prep you to pass any required licensing exam and provide the necessary training for your specialty. So it's crucial you perform the appropriate research so that you can evaluate and compare each program that you are looking at prior to making your final decision. But where do you start? When looking for interior design schools, many potential students begin by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. While location and cost are relevant variables when making a decision, they are by no means the sole ones. There are a number of other considerations that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. We will address those topics and other important questions that you must ask the interior design schools you are researching in more detail below. 

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Questions to Ask Interior Design Colleges

Juneau Alaska interior designed living room

Now that you have selected the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the process of assessing your school options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the campus must be within commuting distance from your Juneau AK residence. Obviously if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will decrease your choices also. But selecting the cheapest college or the one that is nearest to home are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you should look at also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the colleges you are considering to get those answers as well as others to help you assess and subsequently pick the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior design school and program that you choose has been accredited by either a regional or national agency. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive evaluation of their programs and instructors. Just verify 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 establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are exceptional, it may also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Juneau AK employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.

Does the College Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do mandate that interior designers become 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 college. And in several of those States calling for licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. Therefore besides providing an outstanding education, the Juneau AK program you enroll in should also furnish the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill 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 obtained your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly want some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good indication that the school and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design profession and its graduates are sought after. It may also indicate that the school has a substantial network of Juneau AK business connections where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Juneau AK colleges you are looking at and find out what type of assistance they provide. Many of interior design programs offer financial aid to their new students. Certain colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide support in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Large are the Classes? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Juneau AK colleges you are reviewing what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Juneau home, visit the campus and sit in on a few classes. Take the opportunity to speak with a few students and find out 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? Finally, confirm that the interior design program you enroll in provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Juneau AK, make sure that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, verify that is an option as well. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.

Learn More About Becoming an Interior Designer in Juneau

Enroll in the Best Juneau Interior Design School

Selecting the right interior design program is a critical first step toward launching your career in this creative and rewarding occupation. Searching for a college where you will obtain your training and cultivate your talents in a particular area of study is a daunting job no matter what field you have chosen. As with any endeavor to attain an advanced education, there are many things to think about before selecting a course, program or school. At a minimum, verify that the design college and program are both accredited and highly esteemed in the profession. It is still important that you complete your due diligence research. By doing so and following the balance of the recommendations presented in this article, you will be able to effectively review and compare interior design schools so that you can make the ideal ultimate selection. And with superior training and your desire to succeed, you can accomplish your goal of becoming an interior designer in Juneau Alaska.





 

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