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Topics to Ask Interior Design Programs
Once you have selected the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of evaluating your college options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the school must be within commuting distance from your Sun Lakes AZ residence. Of course if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will limit your options as well. But picking the least expensive school or the one that is closest to your residence are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you need to look at also, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to ask the colleges you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others to help you examine and ultimately choose the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior design school and program that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a national or regional organization. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous assessment of their teachers and programs. Just verify 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 securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Sun Lakes AZ employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.
Does the College Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States calling for licensing, two or more years of work experience may be required also. Therefore besides providing an exceptional education, the Sun Lakes AZ college you select should also furnish the proper education to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill 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 obtained your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some support in finding your first job. 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 a good sign that the school and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design profession and its graduates are in demand. It could also indicate that the college has a significant network of Sun Lakes AZ business contacts where they can refer students to obtain internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Assistance Provided? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Sun Lakes AZ colleges you are looking at and find out what type of assistance they provide. A number of interior designer schools provide financial aid to their incoming students. Various schools provide partial scholarships and others provide help in obtaining grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited program is imperative for qualification in most cases. In some cases a school that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Large are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Sun Lakes AZ schools you are looking at what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Sun Lakes home, go to the school and monitor a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior designer school you choose offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Sun Lakes AZ, make certain that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, check that is an alternative as well. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.