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Subjects to Ask Interior Design Programs
When you have selected the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the task of reviewing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the school must be within driving distance from your Rio Rico AZ residence. Of course if you are interested in attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will limit your choices as well. But selecting the cheapest school or the one that is nearest to home are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you need to look at also, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Following are a few questions that you may want to ask the programs you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and ultimately select the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the interior designer program and college that you choose has been accredited by either a national or regional agency. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding assessment of their instructors and programs. Just verify that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are excellent, it might also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Rio Rico AZ employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.
Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited program. And in some of those States mandating licensing, 2 or more years of work experience may be required as well. Therefore aside from furnishing an excellent education, the Rio Rico AZ school you enroll in should also furnish the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum requirements for licensing for Arizona or the State where you will be employed.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior designer certification, you will no doubt want some help in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent indication that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design trade and its graduates are in demand. It may also indicate that the college has a substantial network of Rio Rico AZ business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Aid Available? Contact the financial aid departments for the Rio Rico AZ colleges you are reviewing and find out what type of support they offer. A number of interior design colleges provide financial aid to their new students. Various colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide support in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a school that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Small are the Classes? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive little individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Rio Rico AZ schools you are considering what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Rio Rico home, go to the campus and monitor a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior designer college you enroll in provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Rio Rico AZ, make sure that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, verify that is an alternative as well. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.