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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Colleges
When you have decided on the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of evaluating your college options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the school has to be within commuting distance from your San Tan Valley AZ home. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will limit your options also. But choosing the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to your house are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you need to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a few questions that you may want to address with the colleges you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you compare and ultimately select the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the interior designer program and college that you enroll in has earned accreditation from 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 obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding assessment 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 recognized accrediting organization. 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 applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, many San Tan Valley AZ employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.
Does the College Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in some of those States mandating licensing, 2 or more years of professional experience may be required as well. Therefore in addition to providing an excellent education, the San Tan Valley AZ school you choose should also provide the proper education to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for Arizona or the State where you will be working.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly want some support in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are looking at if they have a job placement program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the school and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It may also signify that the college has a significant network of San Tan Valley AZ business connections where they can place students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the San Tan Valley AZ schools you are evaluating and find out what kind of support they provide. A number of interior designer colleges offer financial aid to their new students. Certain schools offer partial scholarships while others provide support in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Large are the Classes? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Ask the San Tan Valley AZ schools you are considering what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your San Tan Valley home, go to the college and attend a few classes. Take the opportunity to speak with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior designer program you select offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near San Tan Valley AZ, make sure that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, confirm that is an alternative as well. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.