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Topics to Ask Interior Design Programs
Once you have decided on the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the process of assessing your school options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the school must be within driving distance from your Jericho NY residence. Naturally if you are interested in attending a school online, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will narrow down your choices as well. But selecting the cheapest school or the one that is closest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you should look at as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the school. Following are a few concerns that you may want to ask the programs you are reviewing to obtain those answers as well as others to help you compare and subsequently select the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's imperative to make sure that the interior design program and college that you choose has earned accreditation from either a national or regional agency. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment of their programs and instructors. 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 exceptional, it might also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Jericho NY employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.
Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited program. And in several of those States mandating licensing, at least 2 years of work experience may be required also. Therefore in addition to providing an excellent education, the Jericho NY college you choose should also furnish the proper training to pass the NCIDQ exam and comply with the minimum requirements for licensing for New York or the State where you will be working.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and attained 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 assistance program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design trade and its students are sought after. It may also indicate that the college has a large network of Jericho NY business relationships where they can place students to secure internships or employment after graduation.
Is Financial Aid Available? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Jericho NY colleges you are evaluating and find out what type of support they offer. A number of interior designer schools offer financial assistance to their new students. Some colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide support in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that choosing an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Large are the Classes? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Jericho NY colleges you are considering what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Jericho home, go to the campus and sit in on a couple of classes. While there talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior design college you select offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Jericho NY, make sure that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, verify that is an option also. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.