IT TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES TO START YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN CAREER BELOW!
What to Ask Interior Designer Programs
Now that you have chosen the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the task of assessing your school options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the college has to be within driving distance from your Cary NC residence. Of course if you are interested in attending an online school, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will limit your options also. But picking the most affordable college or the one that is closest to home are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you need to look at as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a list of questions that you may want to ask the programs you are looking at to get those answers in addition to others to help you assess and subsequently choose the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's necessary to confirm that the interior designer program and school that you select has been accredited by either a regional or national organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their teachers and programs. Just verify that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are outstanding, it might also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, many Cary NC employers will only employ 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 necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States calling for licensing, two or more years of professional experience may be required as well. So aside from furnishing an exceptional education, the Cary NC school you select should also furnish the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for North Carolina or the State where you will be working.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and attained your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some support 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 indication that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design field and its students are in demand. It might also signify that the school has a sizable network of Cary NC business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Assistance Provided? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Cary NC colleges you are evaluating and find out what kind of support they provide. Many of interior designer colleges offer financial aid to their new students. Some schools provide partial scholarships and others provide support in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial aid.
How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive little individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Cary NC colleges you are looking at what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Cary home, go to the school and attend a couple of classes. While there talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.
Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior design program you choose offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Cary NC, make sure that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, check that is an alternative as well. Finally, check what the process is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.