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What to Ask Interior Design Schools
After you have selected the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of evaluating your college options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the campus has to be within commuting distance from your Maumelle AR residence. Obviously if you have decided on attending a school online, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will limit your choices also. But selecting the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to home are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you need to look at also, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a few concerns that you may want to ask the schools you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you examine and subsequently choose the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the interior designer school and program that you select has earned accreditation from either a national or regional organization. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding 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 establish that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are outstanding, it may also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Maumelle AR employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.
Does the Program Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do mandate that interior designers become 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 requiring licensing, a minimum of 2 years of work experience may be required also. So besides furnishing an outstanding education, the Maumelle AR school you enroll in should also furnish the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with the minimum licensing requirements for Arkansas or the State where you will be working.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior design certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are reviewing 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 college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design trade and its graduates are in demand. It may also indicate that the college has a sizable network of Maumelle AR business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial aid offices for the Maumelle AR colleges you are looking at and ask what type of aid they provide. Many of interior design colleges provide financial assistance to their new students. Certain colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide help in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Large are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Maumelle AR programs you are considering what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Maumelle home, visit the college and monitor a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior design program you select offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Maumelle AR, make sure that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an option as well. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.