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What to Ask Interior Designer Programs
When you have selected the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the task of assessing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the college must be within driving distance from your Fayetteville AR residence. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will narrow down your choices as well. But picking the most affordable college or the one that is closest to home are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other things that you need to look at also, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a list of questions that you may want to ask the programs you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others to help you assess and ultimately select the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's imperative to confirm 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 respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive assessment of their programs and instructors. Just make sure that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are exceptional, it may also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, many Fayetteville AR employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.
Does the School 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) exam as well as a degree from an accredited program. And in several of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of work experience may be required also. So in addition to providing an excellent education, the Fayetteville AR program you select should also furnish the appropriate instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Arkansas or the State where you will be employed.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly want some support in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are considering if they have a job placement program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It might also signify that the school has a large network of Fayetteville AR business connections where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial aid offices for the Fayetteville AR schools you are looking at and ask what kind of assistance they provide. A number of interior design programs offer financial aid to their incoming students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships while others provide support in securing federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Small are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Fayetteville AR programs you are considering what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Fayetteville home, go to the college and attend a couple of classes. While there speak with some 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? Last, make certain that the interior designer college you enroll in offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Fayetteville AR, verify that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, check that is an alternative as well. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.