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What to Ask Interior Design Schools
Now that you have decided on the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can begin the task of assessing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the school must be within driving distance from your Phoenix AZ home. Of course if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will narrow down your options also. But choosing the most affordable school or the one that is closest to your house are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you need to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the colleges you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others to help you examine and subsequently choose the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior designer program and college that you select has been accredited by either a national or regional agency. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment 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 recognized accrediting organization. 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 applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Phoenix AZ employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.
Does the College Ready 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 as well as a degree from an accredited program. And in some of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of professional experience may be required also. So in addition to providing an excellent education, the Phoenix AZ program you select should also provide the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum requirements for licensing for Arizona or the State where you will be employed.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly want some help in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It may also indicate that the school has a sizable network of Phoenix AZ business relationships where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Provided? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Phoenix AZ colleges you are evaluating and find out what type of assistance they offer. Many of interior designer programs offer financial aid to their incoming students. Various colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide help in securing federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Small are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Phoenix AZ colleges you are reviewing what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Phoenix home, go to the college and monitor a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.
Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior designer school you choose provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Phoenix AZ, confirm that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, verify that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.