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Topics to Ask Interior Designer Schools
After you have chosen the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the process of evaluating your school options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the school has to be within commuting distance from your Concord NC home. Of course if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will narrow down your options as well. But picking the least expensive 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 program. Following are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are considering to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you examine and ultimately pick the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior designer program and school that you select has been accredited by either a national or regional 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 evaluation of their instructors 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 requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, many Concord NC employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.
Does the Program Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some 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 program. And in several of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of professional experience may be required as well. Therefore aside from providing an excellent education, the Concord NC college you choose should also provide the proper training to pass the NCIDQ exam and comply with 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 obtained your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly want some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If yes, 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 trade and its students are in demand. It may also signify that the college has a significant network of Concord NC business connections where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Concord NC schools you are reviewing and ask what kind of aid they offer. Many of interior design schools offer financial aid to their new students. Various schools offer partial scholarships while others provide help in acquiring grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.
How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive little individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Concord NC schools you are looking at what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Concord home, go to the school and attend a couple of classes. While there talk with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Finally, make sure that the interior designer program you enroll in offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Concord NC, make sure that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, confirm that is an option as well. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.