Interior Designer Degree
How to Find the Best One Near Chandler Arizona

So it’s time to start the process of selecting an interior design school near Chandler AZ now that you have made a career decision to study to be an interior designer. Even if you have always had a gift for designing commercial or residential interiors, it's imperative that you get the proper training to put your skills 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 it's crucial you do the proper research so that you can analyze and compare each program that you are considering before you make your final decision. But just how do you go about finding the right school? When looking for interior design programs, many potential students start by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. While cost and location are key issues when making a decision, they should not be the only ones. Qualifications such as reputation and accreditation should be taken into account as well. We will address those topics and other vital questions that you should be asking the interior design schools you are researching in more detail below. 

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

Questions to Ask Interior Design Schools

Now that you have decided on the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the school must be within commuting distance from your Chandler AZ home. Naturally if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will narrow down your choices as well. But choosing the cheapest school or the one that is closest to your house are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you should consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Following are a few questions that you may want to ask the schools you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others to help you examine and subsequently select the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior design program and college 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). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their programs and teachers. Just confirm that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are outstanding, it might also help when requesting financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Chandler AZ employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.

Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States mandating licensing, 2 or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. Therefore aside from providing an excellent education, the Chandler AZ school you select should also furnish the appropriate instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum licensing requirements for Arizona or the State where you will be employed.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance 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 esteemed within the interior design field and its graduates are sought after. It could also signify that the college has a significant network of Chandler AZ business connections where they can place students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Get in touch with the financial aid departments for the Chandler AZ colleges you are looking at and find out what type of aid they provide. A number of interior design programs provide financial assistance to their new students. Some colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that choosing an accredited program is imperative for qualification in most cases. In some cases a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Large are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Chandler AZ schools you are looking at what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Chandler home, visit the campus and monitor a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Finally, confirm that the interior designer program you enroll in provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Chandler AZ, verify that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, check that is an option also. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.

Learn More About How to Become an Interior Designer in Chandler

Choose the Best Chandler Interior Design School

Choosing the right interior design school is a crucial first step toward launching your career in this artistic and rewarding profession. Finding a school where you will obtain your training and cultivate your talents in a specific area of study is a difficult job regardless of what field you have decided on. As with any undertaking to receive an advanced education, there are several things to consider before selecting a course, program or school. At a minimum, make sure that the program and design college are both accredited and highly respected in the profession. It is still imperative that you carry out your due diligence analysis. By doing so and following the balance of the recommendations provided in this article, you will be able to effectively assess and compare interior design colleges so that you can make the right final selection. And with excellent training and your drive to succeed, you can accomplish your goal of becoming an interior designer in Chandler Arizona.

 

Chandler Interior Design Schools | Chandler Interior Design Programs