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What to Ask Interior Design Programs
Once you have decided on the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can start the task of assessing your college options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the campus must be within driving distance from your Van Buren AR home. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are able to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will narrow down your options as well. But picking the cheapest college or the one that is closest to your house are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you need to consider also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the program. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask the programs you are looking at to get those answers as well as others to help you examine and ultimately pick the right degree program.
Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior design college and program that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a regional or national agency. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive evaluation 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 agency. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are excellent, it may also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Van Buren AR employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.
Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States requiring licensing, 2 or more years of work experience may be required as well. Therefore in addition to furnishing an excellent education, the Van Buren AR program you enroll in should also furnish the proper training to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing 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 design certification, you will no doubt want some help in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design trade and its students are sought after. It might also signify that the college has a sizable network of Van Buren AR business connections where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Provided? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Van Buren AR schools you are looking at and find out what type of aid they offer. A number of interior design colleges provide financial aid to their incoming students. Some schools offer partial scholarships and others provide assistance in acquiring federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Small are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Van Buren AR programs you are reviewing what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Van Buren home, visit the school and monitor a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with a few 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 Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior design college you select offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Van Buren AR, make sure that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, confirm that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.