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Subjects to Ask Interior Design Programs
After you have selected the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of reviewing your school options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the school must be within driving distance from your Drexel Heights AZ residence. Of course if you have decided on attending an online school, 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 most affordable college or the one that is closest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you need to consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the college. Following are a list of questions that you may want to ask the programs you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others to help you assess and ultimately pick the right degree program.
Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior design program and school that you select has been accredited by either a national or regional organization. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive evaluation of their programs and instructors. Just make sure 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 training are outstanding, it may also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Drexel Heights AZ employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.
Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in some of those States requiring licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. Therefore besides furnishing an exceptional education, the Drexel Heights AZ college you choose should also provide the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Arizona or the State where you will be employed.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and received your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly want some support in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job placement program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good indication that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design profession and its graduates are sought after. It could also indicate that the school has a substantial network of Drexel Heights AZ business contacts where they can place students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Drexel Heights AZ schools you are reviewing and find out what kind of assistance they offer. Many of interior design schools provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Certain colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide help in acquiring federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes 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 Classes? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you may receive little individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Drexel Heights AZ programs you are looking at what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Drexel Heights home, go to the school and monitor a few classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior designer program you choose offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Drexel Heights AZ, 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 also. Finally, check what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.