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Interior Designer Program
How to Choose the Right One Near Juneau Alaska

Juneau Alaska spacious interior designed conference roomSo it’s time to start the process of choosing an interior design school near Juneau AK now that you have made a career choice to study to be an interior designer. It's imperative that you get the best available training to develop your skills, even if you have always had a knack for designing residential or commercial interiors. And since several states do require that interior designers be licensed, depending on your state of residence you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam also. So in order to evaluate and compare each program you are looking at before you make your ultimate choice it's very important that you perform the proper research. But just where do you start? When looking for interior design programs, the majority of students start by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the right option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are various other factors that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will discuss those topics and other vital questions that you should be asking the interior design schools you are looking at in more detail below. 

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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Programs

Juneau Alaska interior designed living room with piano

Now that you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the school needs to be within commuting distance from your Juneau AK residence. Of course if you have decided on attending an online school, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will decrease your options also. But choosing the cheapest college or the one that is nearest to home are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other things that you should consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a few concerns that you may want to address with the schools you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others to help you compare and subsequently pick the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior design program and school that you choose has been accredited by either a regional or national agency. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment 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 agency. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are outstanding, it might also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Juneau AK employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.

Does the Program Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, 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) exam as well as a degree from an accredited program. And in several of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of work experience may be required also. Therefore in addition to providing an excellent education, the Juneau AK program you choose should also provide the proper training to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Alaska or the State where you will be employed.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly want some support in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent sign that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design profession and its graduates are sought after. It may also signify that the school has a large network of Juneau AK business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Juneau AK schools you are looking at and find out what kind of support they provide. Many of interior design colleges provide financial aid to their new students. Some schools offer partial scholarships while others provide support in acquiring grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited program is imperative for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Large are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Juneau AK schools you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Juneau home, visit the college and attend a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior design school you select offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly significant if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Juneau AK, confirm that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, confirm that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.

Find Out More About Studying to Become an Interior Designer in Juneau

Enroll in the Right Juneau Interior Design School

Choosing the ideal interior designer college is a crucial initial step toward starting your career in this artistic and fulfilling profession. Finding a school where you will obtain your training and develop your skills in a specific area of study is a daunting task regardless of what major you have selected. As with any endeavor to attain a higher education, there are a number of factors to think about before enrolling in a program, course or school. At a minimum, confirm that the program and design college are both accredited and highly esteemed in the field. It is still important that you complete your due diligence analysis. By doing so and following the remaining recommendations provided in this article, you will be able to effectively evaluate and compare interior design schools so that you can make the ideal final selection. And with excellent training and your desire to succeed, you can reach your goal of becoming an interior designer in Juneau Alaska.





 

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