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Subjects to Ask Interior Design Programs
When you have chosen the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the process of assessing your school options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the campus has to be within driving distance from your Sahuarita AZ home. Obviously if you are interested in attending an online school, or are able to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will limit your options as well. But choosing the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to home are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you need to consider also, including the accreditation and reputation of the program. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are considering to get those answers as well as others to help you assess and ultimately select the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior designer school and program that you enroll in 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). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous assessment of their programs and instructors. Just confirm that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are exceptional, it might also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Sahuarita AZ employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.
Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do mandate that interior designers become 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 mandating licensing, a minimum of 2 years of occupational experience may be required as well. Therefore besides providing an outstanding education, the Sahuarita AZ program you select should also provide the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and meet the minimum licensing requirements for Arizona or the State where you will be employed.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior designer certification, you will probably need some help in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good indication that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design field and its students are sought after. It may also signify that the school has a significant network of Sahuarita AZ business contacts where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Available? Get in touch with the financial aid departments for the Sahuarita AZ colleges you are evaluating and find out what kind of aid they provide. A number of interior designer colleges provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Certain colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide help in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that choosing an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Sahuarita AZ colleges you are looking at what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Sahuarita home, go to the college and sit in on a few classes. While there talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.
Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, confirm that the interior designer school you select offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly significant if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Sahuarita AZ, verify that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, check that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.