IT TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES TO START YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN CAREER BELOW!
Topics to Ask Interior Design Schools
After you have selected the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can start the process of analyzing your college options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the college must be within driving distance from your Pine Bluff AR residence. Naturally if you have decided on attending a school online, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will limit your choices as well. But picking the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to home are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you need to look at as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a few concerns that you may want to ask the programs you are looking at to obtain those answers as well as others to help you assess and ultimately pick the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's essential to confirm that the interior design program and college that you choose has been accredited by either a national or regional agency. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment of their programs and instructors. Just confirm that both the college and the degree program 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 outstanding, it may also help when securing financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Pine Bluff AR employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.
Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do require that interior designers become 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 several of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore aside from furnishing an exceptional education, the Pine Bluff AR school you select should also provide the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ examination and meet the minimum licensing requirements for Arkansas or the State where you will be employed.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will no doubt want some support in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are looking at if they have a job assistance 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 field and its students are sought after. It may also indicate that the college has a large network of Pine Bluff AR business connections where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Contact the financial aid departments for the Pine Bluff AR schools you are evaluating and ask what type of aid they provide. Many of interior design programs offer financial assistance to their incoming students. Various schools offer partial scholarships and others provide help in acquiring grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. In some cases a program that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Pine Bluff AR colleges you are looking at what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Pine Bluff home, go to the school and monitor a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior design program you enroll in provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Pine Bluff AR, confirm that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, confirm that is an alternative also. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.