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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Colleges
When you have decided on the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can begin the task of evaluating your school options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the campus needs to be within commuting distance from your Springfield Gardens NY residence. Obviously if you are interested in attending an online school, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will decrease your options also. But choosing the most affordable college or the one that is closest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you should consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are looking at to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and subsequently select the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's important to confirm that the interior designer program and school that you enroll in has been accredited by either a regional or national 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 gone through an extensive assessment of their teachers and programs. Just make sure 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 verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are outstanding, it might also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Springfield Gardens NY employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.
Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do require 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 school. And in several of those States requiring licensing, 2 or more years of professional experience may be required as well. So aside from providing an exceptional education, the Springfield Gardens NY school you choose should also furnish the appropriate education to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum licensing requirements for New York or the State where you will be employed.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior designer certification, you will probably want some support in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good indication that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design field and its graduates are in demand. It could also indicate that the school has a large network of Springfield Gardens NY business connections where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Contact the financial aid departments for the Springfield Gardens NY colleges you are looking at and find out what type of assistance they offer. Many of interior design programs provide financial aid to their incoming students. Certain schools offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Large are the Classes? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Springfield Gardens NY colleges you are looking at what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Springfield Gardens home, go to the school and sit in on a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.
Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior design program you choose offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Springfield Gardens NY, make certain that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, verify that is an option also. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.