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What to Ask Interior Designer Schools
When you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of evaluating your school options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the campus needs to be within commuting distance from your Amsterdam NY residence. Naturally if you are interested in attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will decrease your options also. But choosing 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 should consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you compare and ultimately pick the right degree program.
Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the interior design college and program that you select has earned accreditation from either a regional or national organization. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive evaluation of their teachers and programs. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college 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 might also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, many Amsterdam NY employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.
Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited college. And in several of those States calling for licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required also. Therefore besides furnishing an excellent education, the Amsterdam NY program you choose should also provide the suitable training to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for New York or the State where you will be employed.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will probably want some support in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design trade and its students are in demand. It could also indicate that the college has a significant network of Amsterdam NY business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Assistance Provided? Get in touch with the financial assistance offices for the Amsterdam NY schools you are looking at and ask what type of assistance they offer. Many of interior design schools offer financial aid to their incoming students. Certain colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide support in acquiring grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited college is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive little individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Amsterdam NY programs you are looking at what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Amsterdam home, visit the campus and attend a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and find out 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 Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make sure that the interior design program you choose offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Amsterdam NY, make sure that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, check that is an alternative also. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.