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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Schools
After you have decided on the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the task of assessing your school options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the college needs to be within commuting distance from your Little Rock AR residence. Of course if you are interested in attending an online school, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will decrease your options also. But picking the cheapest college or the one that is nearest to home are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you should consider also, including the accreditation and reputation of the school. Following are a few concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are considering to obtain those answers in addition to others in order to help you compare and ultimately select the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the interior design school and program that you choose has earned accreditation from either a national or regional organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving 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 recognized accrediting agency. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training 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 Little Rock AR employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.
Does the Program 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) exam as well as a degree from an accredited program. And in some of those States requiring licensing, 2 or more years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore in addition to providing an excellent education, the Little Rock AR college you enroll in should also furnish the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for Arkansas or the State where you will be employed.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will probably want some support in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design trade and its graduates are in demand. It might also signify that the college has a large network of Little Rock AR business contacts where they can place students to obtain internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial aid departments for the Little Rock AR colleges you are evaluating and ask what type of assistance they offer. Many of interior design programs offer financial assistance to their new students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships and others provide support in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that choosing an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Large are the Classes? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Little Rock AR colleges you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Little Rock home, visit the college and attend a couple of classes. While there talk with a few 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 Available that Fit your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design school you enroll in offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Little Rock AR, make sure that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, confirm that is an alternative also. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.