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Topics to Ask Interior Designer Schools
Once you have chosen the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can start the task of assessing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the school needs to be within driving distance from your Chapel Hill NC residence. Naturally if you have decided on attending a school online, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will limit your options as well. But choosing the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other things that you should consider as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the program. Below are a few concerns that you may want to address with the schools you are considering to get those answers as well as others in order to help you compare and ultimately select the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior design program and college that you choose has earned accreditation from either a regional or national agency. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous assessment of their teachers and programs. Just verify that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are excellent, it might also help when requesting financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Chapel Hill NC employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.
Does the Program Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in some of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required also. Therefore besides providing an excellent education, the Chapel Hill NC program you enroll in should also furnish the appropriate education to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with 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 obtained your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good sign that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design field and its graduates are sought after. It may also indicate that the college has a large network of Chapel Hill NC business relationships where they can place students to obtain internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Assistance Provided? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Chapel Hill NC colleges you are reviewing and ask what kind of assistance they provide. Many of interior designer schools provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Certain schools offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in obtaining grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Large are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Chapel Hill NC schools you are reviewing what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Chapel Hill home, visit the campus and attend a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior designer school you choose provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Chapel Hill NC, make certain that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an alternative also. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.