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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Programs
After you have selected the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of evaluating your school options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the campus has to be within commuting distance from your Oyster Bay NY residence. Obviously if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will decrease your options also. But selecting the cheapest school or the one that is closest to home are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you need to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Following are a few questions that you may want to ask the schools you are looking at to obtain those answers as well as others to help you assess and ultimately choose the right degree program.
Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior design program and school that you select 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). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous assessment of their programs and teachers. Just verify that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are exceptional, it might also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, many Oyster Bay NY employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.
Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States requiring licensing, a minimum of 2 years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore in addition to providing an exceptional education, the Oyster Bay NY college you choose should also furnish the proper training to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum requirements for licensing for New York or the State where you will be working.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will no doubt want some support in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing 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 highly esteemed within the interior design field and its graduates are sought after. It may also signify that the college has a substantial network of Oyster Bay NY business connections where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Aid Available? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Oyster Bay NY schools you are evaluating and ask what type of assistance they provide. Many of interior design colleges offer financial assistance to their new students. Various colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in obtaining grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Small are the Classes? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Oyster Bay NY schools you are looking at what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Oyster Bay home, visit 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 styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior design program you select offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Oyster Bay NY, confirm that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, check that is an alternative also. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.