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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Schools
Now that you have chosen the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of reviewing your college options. Location will be an important factor, particularly if the campus has to be within driving distance from your Searcy AR home. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will decrease your options also. But picking the cheapest school or the one that is closest to your house are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you need to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the schools you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others to help you compare and subsequently choose the right degree program.
Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's imperative to verify that the interior designer school and program that you choose has been accredited by either a national or regional organization. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous 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 college and the quality of the education are exceptional, it might also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, many Searcy AR employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.
Does the College Prep 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 college. And in some of those States requiring licensing, a minimum of 2 years of work experience may be required as well. Therefore aside from furnishing an outstanding education, the Searcy AR school you enroll in should also furnish the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and comply with the minimum licensing requirements for Arkansas or the State where you will be working.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior designer certification, you will probably want some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent sign that the school and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design field and its graduates are sought after. It could also signify that the school has a sizable network of Searcy AR business connections where they can refer students to obtain internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Get in touch with the financial assistance offices for the Searcy AR schools you are reviewing and find out what type of aid they provide. A number of interior designer programs provide financial aid to their new students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships while others provide help in securing grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper 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 large, you probably will receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Searcy AR colleges you are reviewing what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Searcy home, visit the college and attend a few classes. While there talk with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Finally, confirm that the interior designer program you select offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Searcy AR, verify that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an option also. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.