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What to Ask Interior Design Programs
Now that you have decided on the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of analyzing your school options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the school needs to be within commuting distance from your Jacksonville AR home. Of course if you are interested in attending an online school, or are able to relocate 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 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 consider as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the school. Following are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the schools you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you examine and ultimately choose the right degree program.
Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's necessary to confirm that the interior designer college and program that you select has earned accreditation from either a regional or national agency. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their programs and instructors. Just confirm 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 confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are exceptional, it may also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Jacksonville AR employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.
Does the College Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited school. And in some of those States mandating licensing, 2 or more years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore besides furnishing an excellent education, the Jacksonville AR program you choose should also provide the appropriate education to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for Arkansas or the State where you will be employed.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design field and its students are in demand. It may also indicate that the college has a large network of Jacksonville AR business relationships where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Contact the financial aid offices for the Jacksonville AR schools you are reviewing and ask what kind of support they provide. A number of interior designer schools provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Various schools offer partial scholarships and others provide help in acquiring federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Large are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Jacksonville AR colleges you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Jacksonville home, visit the college and sit in on 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 approaches are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design college you choose offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Jacksonville AR, confirm that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, verify that is an option as well. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.