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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Programs
When you have decided on the interior designer 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 college must be within commuting distance from your Morrisania NY residence. Obviously if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will narrow down your choices also. But picking the most affordable college or the one that is nearest to your house are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other things that you need to look at also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the college. Following are a list of questions that you may want to ask the schools you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others to help you examine and subsequently pick the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior design program and school that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a national or regional organization. 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 assessment of their programs and teachers. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are exceptional, it may also help when securing financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Morrisania NY employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.
Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do mandate that interior designers get 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 some of those States requiring licensing, a minimum of 2 years of work experience may be required as well. So besides providing an outstanding education, the Morrisania NY program you select should also furnish the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum licensing requirements for New York or the State where you will be working.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and earned your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly need some support in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good indication that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It may also indicate that the school has a substantial network of Morrisania NY business connections where they can place students to obtain internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Morrisania NY schools you are reviewing and find out what type of support they provide. Many of interior designer colleges offer financial assistance to their incoming students. Various schools offer partial scholarships while others provide support in obtaining grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.
How Small are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive little individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Morrisania NY programs you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Morrisania home, go to the college and sit in on a couple of classes. While there speak with a few students and ask 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 designer program you select offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Morrisania NY, make certain that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, verify that is an option as well. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.