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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Programs
After you have decided on the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can start the task of analyzing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the campus needs to be within driving distance from your Boone NC home. Naturally if you are interested in attending a school online, or are able to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will narrow down your choices as well. But selecting the most affordable college or the one that is closest to home are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you need to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a list of questions that you may want to ask the schools you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others to help you assess and ultimately select the right degree program.
Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's imperative to verify that the interior designer program and college that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a national or regional agency. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive evaluation 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 acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are excellent, it might also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Boone NC employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.
Does the Program Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would necessitate 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 requiring licensing, at least 2 years of work experience may be required as well. Therefore aside from furnishing an excellent education, the Boone NC school you choose should also provide the appropriate instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum requirements for licensing for North Carolina or the State where you will be working.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior design certification, you will no doubt want some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good indication that the school and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It may also signify that the college has a sizable network of Boone NC business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial aid offices for the Boone NC schools you are looking at and find out what type of assistance they offer. Many of interior designer colleges provide financial aid to their new students. Various colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide support in acquiring federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Large are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Boone NC programs you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Boone home, visit the college and monitor a couple of classes. While there speak with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior design program you select offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly significant if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Boone NC, confirm that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, verify that is an alternative also. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.