Interior Designer College
How to Choose the Right One Near Somers New York

So it’s time to start the task of picking an interior design school near Somers NY now that you have made a career choice to become an interior designer. Even if you have always had a gift for designing residential or commercial interiors, it's important that you get the appropriate training to put your skills to work. And since some states do require that interior designers be licensed, depending on your state of residence you may need preparation to pass a licensing examination as well. So in order to evaluate and compare each school you are reviewing prior to making your final choice it's crucial that you carry out the proper research. But exactly where do you begin? Many future students will launch their research by looking for interior design colleges near their home and then comparing tuition costs. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are many other qualifications that you should weigh when analyzing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. We will cover those topics and other important questions that you must ask the interior design schools you are interested in in more detail below. 

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Topics to Ask Interior Designer Schools

After you have selected the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the college has to be within commuting distance from your Somers NY home. Obviously if you have decided on attending an online school, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will narrow down your options as well. But picking the most affordable school or the one that is closest to your residence are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other things that you should look at as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the school. Below are a few questions that you may want to address with the schools you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others in order to help you examine and ultimately select the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior designer program and school that you select has been accredited by either a regional or national agency. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive evaluation of their programs and instructors. Just confirm 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 establish that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are excellent, it might also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Somers NY employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the Program Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States calling for licensing, a minimum of 2 years of occupational experience may be required also. So aside from furnishing an excellent education, the Somers NY program you choose should also furnish the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum requirements for licensing 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 designer certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job placement program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent sign that the school and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design trade and its students are in demand. It might also signify that the school has a sizable network of Somers NY business contacts where they can refer students to obtain internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Offered? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Somers NY schools you are reviewing and find out what kind of assistance they offer. A number of interior designer colleges offer financial aid to their incoming students. Certain colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide support in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited program is imperative for qualification in most cases. In some cases a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Big are the Classes? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Somers NY colleges you are reviewing what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Somers home, visit the campus and monitor 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 Offered that Fit your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design program you enroll in provides 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 in the evening or on weekends near Somers NY, make sure that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, confirm that is an alternative as well. Finally, check what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.

Find Out More About Becoming an Interior Designer in Somers

Choose the Best Somers Interior Design School

Picking the right interior design college is a crucial initial step toward launching your career in this artistic and rewarding occupation. Finding a school where you will receive your education and cultivate your talents in a specific area of study is a daunting job regardless of what major you have selected. As with any endeavor to receive a higher education, there are several points to think about before enrolling in a school, program, or course. At a minimum, confirm that the program and design school are both accredited and highly regarded in the business. It is still important that you complete your due diligence analysis. By doing so and following the rest of the suggestions presented in this article, you will be able to properly review and compare interior design colleges so that you can make the appropriate ultimate selection. And with excellent training and your desire to succeed, you can accomplish your goal of becoming an interior designer in Somers New York.

 

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