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Topics to Ask Interior Design Colleges
Now that 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 factor, particularly if the campus has to be within driving distance from your East Chester NY home. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will narrow down your options also. But selecting the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to home are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other things that you need to consider also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the school. Following are a few questions that you may want to address with the schools you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others to help you assess and subsequently pick the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior designer college and program that you select has been accredited by either a regional or national agency. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding evaluation of their teachers and programs. 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 confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are outstanding, it may also help when securing financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, many East Chester NY employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.
Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do require 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 program. And in several of those States requiring licensing, a minimum of 2 years of occupational experience may be required as well. Therefore in addition to furnishing an excellent education, the East Chester NY college you select should also furnish the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for New York or the State where you will be working.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly want some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good indication that the school and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design trade and its graduates are in demand. It could also indicate that the school has a substantial network of East Chester NY business relationships where they can place students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial aid offices for the East Chester NY colleges you are evaluating and find out what type of assistance they offer. A number of interior designer schools offer financial assistance to their new students. Certain colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide help in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a school that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Large are the Classes? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you may receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the East Chester NY programs you are considering what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your East Chester home, go to the campus and sit in on a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with a few 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 Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior designer school you choose provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near East Chester NY, confirm that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, check what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.