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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Schools
When you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the campus needs to be within driving distance from your Rogers AR residence. Obviously if you are interested in attending a school online, or are able to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will decrease your choices also. But choosing the cheapest college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you need to look at as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the program. Following are a few questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are considering to get those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and subsequently select the right degree program.
Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the interior designer program and school that you select has earned accreditation from either a regional or national organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their programs and teachers. Just verify 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 confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are exceptional, it might also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Rogers AR employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.
Does the College Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. So besides furnishing an excellent education, the Rogers AR college you choose should also furnish the appropriate education to pass the NCIDQ examination and meet the minimum licensing requirements for Arkansas or the State where you will be employed.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some help in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are considering if they have a job placement program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good indication that the school and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It might also signify that the school has a sizable network of Rogers AR business connections where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial aid offices for the Rogers AR colleges you are looking at and ask what kind of support they offer. Many of interior design programs provide financial aid to their incoming students. Certain colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide help in obtaining grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that choosing an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a program that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Rogers AR schools you are considering what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Rogers home, visit the school and sit in on a few classes. While there talk with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior design college you choose offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Rogers AR, make certain that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.