IT TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES TO START YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN CAREER BELOW!
What to Ask Interior Design Programs
Once you have decided on the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of analyzing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the college must be within driving distance from your College Point NY home. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will decrease your choices as well. But choosing the least expensive school or the one that is closest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you should consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask the programs you are reviewing to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you compare and ultimately select the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's imperative to make sure that the interior design college and program that you choose has earned accreditation from 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). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive assessment of their programs and teachers. Just make sure 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 verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are exceptional, it might also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of College Point NY employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.
Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in some of those States requiring licensing, two or more years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore besides providing an outstanding education, the College Point NY program you enroll in should also provide the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with the minimum requirements for licensing for New York or the State where you will be working.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design trade and its students are in demand. It could also signify that the school has a large network of College Point NY 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 College Point NY colleges you are reviewing and ask what type of aid they offer. Many of interior designer programs provide financial aid to their new students. Various schools offer partial scholarships while others provide help in securing grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.
How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the College Point NY programs you are looking at what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your College Point home, go to the school and monitor a few classes. While there speak with a few students and find out 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? Last, make certain that the interior designer college you choose provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near College Point NY, make certain that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, verify that is an option also. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.