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Questions to Ask Interior Design Programs
After you have chosen the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the task of evaluating your school options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the college has to be within commuting distance from your Clayton NC home. Obviously if you are interested in attending a school online, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will limit your choices also. But selecting the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to home are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other things that you need to consider also, including the accreditation and reputation of the college. Following are a few questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are considering to obtain those answers in addition to others in order to help you assess and ultimately choose the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the interior designer program and school that you enroll in has been accredited by either a regional or national organization. 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 programs and instructors. 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 verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are exceptional, it may also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, many Clayton NC employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.
Does the College Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do require 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 college. And in several of those States mandating licensing, at least 2 years of work experience may be required as well. So in addition to furnishing an exceptional education, the Clayton NC school you select should also provide the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for North Carolina or the State where you will be employed.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly need some help in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are considering if they have a job placement program. If so, ask 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 graduates are sought after. It might also signify that the school has a sizable network of Clayton NC business relationships where they can place students to secure internships or employment after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Clayton NC colleges you are reviewing and ask what kind of assistance they offer. A number of interior design programs offer financial aid to their new students. Some schools provide partial scholarships while others provide help in obtaining federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited program is imperative for qualification in most cases. In some cases a program that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Big are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Clayton NC programs you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Clayton home, visit the campus and sit in on a couple of classes. While there speak with a few 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? Last, make certain that the interior designer school you choose provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Clayton NC, make sure that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, confirm that is an alternative also. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.