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Topics to Ask Interior Designer Schools
Now that you have decided on the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can start the process of analyzing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the campus has to be within driving distance from your New Kingman Butler AZ residence. Obviously if you are interested in attending an online school, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will decrease your choices also. But selecting the most affordable school or the one that is closest to home are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you should look at also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a few concerns that you may want to ask the schools you are looking at to obtain those answers in addition to others in order to help you compare and ultimately select the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the interior designer school and program that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a regional or national agency. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive evaluation of their instructors and programs. 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 confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are excellent, it might also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of New Kingman Butler AZ employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.
Does the Program Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several 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 program. And in some of those States mandating licensing, 2 or more years of professional experience may be required also. So aside from providing an outstanding education, the New Kingman Butler AZ school you select should also furnish the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum licensing requirements for Arizona or the State where you will be working.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and obtained your interior design certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It may also signify that the school has a large network of New Kingman Butler AZ business relationships where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial assistance offices for the New Kingman Butler AZ colleges you are reviewing and find out what type of aid they offer. Many of interior designer colleges provide financial aid to their new students. Various colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide assistance in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases 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 large, you probably will receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the New Kingman Butler AZ programs you are considering what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your New Kingman Butler home, visit the campus and sit in on a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk 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 Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior design program you select offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near New Kingman Butler AZ, verify that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, confirm that is an alternative also. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.