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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Colleges
Now that you have chosen 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 factor, especially if the college needs to be within commuting distance from your Paragould AR home. Obviously if you are interested in attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will decrease your options as well. But selecting the least expensive school or the one that is closest to home are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you need to look at also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a few questions that you may want to address with the programs you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others to help you assess and subsequently pick the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior design college and program that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a national or regional agency. 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 demanding evaluation of their instructors and programs. Just confirm that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are excellent, it might also help when requesting financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Paragould AR employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.
Does the College Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several 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 some of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of work experience may be required as well. Therefore in addition to providing an excellent education, the Paragould AR college you select should also furnish the suitable training to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with 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 obtained your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good indication that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design field and its students are in demand. It could also signify that the college has a substantial network of Paragould AR business contacts where they can refer students to obtain internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Paragould AR colleges you are reviewing and find out what kind of aid they provide. Many of interior design programs provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Various colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide support in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited school is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.
How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Paragould AR programs you are reviewing what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Paragould home, go to the school and monitor a few classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.
Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make sure that the interior design school you choose offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Paragould AR, verify that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, verify that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.