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Topics to Ask Interior Designer Programs
After you have selected the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of assessing your school options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the college must be within driving distance from your Asheboro NC residence. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will narrow down your options also. But choosing the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to home are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you need to look at also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the program. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the colleges you are considering to get those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and subsequently choose the right degree program.
Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's imperative to make sure that the interior design program and school that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a regional or national agency. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding evaluation of their instructors and programs. Just confirm that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are outstanding, it might also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Asheboro NC employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.
Does the College Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do mandate that interior designers get 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 school. And in some of those States calling for licensing, at least 2 years of work experience may be required also. So besides furnishing an exceptional education, the Asheboro NC program you enroll in should also provide the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for North Carolina or the State where you will be working.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly want some help in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good sign that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design trade and its students are sought after. It could also signify that the college has a sizable network of Asheboro NC business connections where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial aid offices for the Asheboro NC schools you are evaluating and find out what kind of support they offer. A number of interior design colleges offer financial aid to their incoming students. Various schools offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in obtaining grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.
How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Asheboro NC programs you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Asheboro home, go to the school and attend a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior design school you enroll in offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Asheboro NC, confirm that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, check that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.