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What to Ask Interior Designer Schools
Once you have decided on the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of assessing your college options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the college needs to be within driving distance from your Ozone Park NY home. Obviously if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will limit your options also. But choosing the most affordable college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other factors that you should look at also, including the accreditation and reputation of the school. Following are a list of concerns that you may want to ask the schools you are looking at to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you compare and subsequently select the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's necessary to confirm that the interior design school and program 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 earning 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 acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are exceptional, it may also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Ozone Park NY employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.
Does the College Ready 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 in addition to a degree from an accredited program. And in several of those States calling for licensing, a minimum of 2 years of work experience may be required also. So besides furnishing an outstanding education, the Ozone Park NY program you enroll in should also furnish the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ exam and comply with 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 obtained your interior design certification, you will no doubt want some help in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good indication that the college and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design trade and its students are sought after. It may also signify that the school has a significant network of Ozone Park NY business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial aid departments for the Ozone Park NY colleges you are reviewing and ask what type of assistance they offer. A number of interior designer programs provide financial assistance to their new students. Various colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide help in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a school that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Big are the Classes? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Ozone Park NY colleges you are considering what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Ozone Park home, visit the school and attend a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak 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 Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior designer program you select provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Ozone Park NY, verify that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.