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Topics to Ask Interior Design Colleges
When you have decided on the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of assessing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the school must be within driving distance from your Hot Springs AR home. Of course if you are interested in attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will limit your choices also. But picking the least expensive college or the one that is nearest to home are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you should consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a list of questions that you may want to address with the colleges you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you examine and ultimately select the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's important to verify that the interior designer program and school that you choose has earned accreditation from either a regional or national agency. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive assessment of their programs and instructors. Just verify 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 excellent, it may also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Hot Springs AR employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.
Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do require 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 several of those States calling for licensing, two or more years of professional experience may be required as well. Therefore aside from providing an excellent education, the Hot Springs AR college you select should also provide the proper training to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum licensing requirements for Arkansas or the State where you will be employed.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good indication that the school and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It could also signify that the college has a significant network of Hot Springs AR business relationships where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Available? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Hot Springs AR colleges you are evaluating and find out what type of support they provide. Many of interior design colleges provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Various colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide support in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.
How Large are the Classes? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive little individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Hot Springs AR schools you are looking at what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Hot Springs home, go to the school and sit in on a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior design program you enroll in offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Hot Springs AR, make certain that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.