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What to Ask Interior Designer Schools
Now that you have selected the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of assessing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the school has to be within commuting distance from your Uniondale NY home. Naturally if you have decided on attending a school online, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will limit your choices as well. But choosing the least expensive college or the one that is closest 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 reputation and accreditation of the college. Following are a list of questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are considering to get those answers as well as others in order to help you examine and ultimately pick the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the interior design program and school that you choose has been accredited by either a national or regional 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 teachers. 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 confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are excellent, it may also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Uniondale NY employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.
Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited program. And in several of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required also. So besides providing an outstanding education, the Uniondale NY school you select should also provide 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 employed.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly want some help in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent sign that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design profession and its graduates are in demand. It may also signify that the school has a significant network of Uniondale NY business connections where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Uniondale NY schools you are reviewing and find out what kind of aid they offer. A number of interior designer schools provide financial assistance to their new students. Some colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide support in obtaining grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive little individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Uniondale NY programs you are looking at what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Uniondale home, visit the campus and attend a couple of classes. While there talk with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior design program you select offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Uniondale NY, verify that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.