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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Colleges
Now that you have decided on the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can start the task of assessing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the campus needs to be within driving distance from your North Little Rock AR residence. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will decrease your options as well. But picking the cheapest school or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you need to consider as well, such as the accreditation and reputation of the college. Below are a few concerns that you may want to address with the colleges you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others to help you examine and ultimately pick the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior design program and college that you choose has been accredited by 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 earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone 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 acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are outstanding, it may also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, many North Little Rock AR employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.
Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do mandate that interior designers get 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 college. And in several of those States requiring licensing, a minimum of 2 years of occupational experience may be required also. Therefore aside from providing an outstanding education, the North Little Rock AR college you choose should also furnish the appropriate instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Arkansas or the State where you will be working.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and obtained your interior design certification, you will probably want some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the colleges 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 highly regarded within the interior design trade and its graduates are sought after. It may also indicate that the college has a sizable network of North Little Rock AR business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial aid departments for the North Little Rock AR colleges you are reviewing and ask what kind of assistance they offer. A number of interior design schools offer financial assistance to their incoming students. Some schools provide partial scholarships while others provide support in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a school that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the North Little Rock AR programs you are reviewing what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your North Little Rock home, go to the college and attend a few classes. While there 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 Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior design program you enroll in provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near North Little Rock AR, make certain that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, verify that is an option also. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.