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What to Ask Interior Design Programs
Once you have selected the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of reviewing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the campus has to be within commuting distance from your Eden NC residence. Obviously if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will narrow down your options as well. But choosing the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to your house are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you need to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Following are a list of questions that you may want to address with the colleges you are looking at to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and ultimately choose the right degree program.
Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior designer college and program that you choose has been accredited by either a regional or national organization. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive assessment of their teachers and programs. Just confirm that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are exceptional, it may also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Eden NC employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.
Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited program. And in some of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore aside from furnishing an outstanding education, the Eden NC program you select should also furnish the appropriate education to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for North Carolina or the State where you will be working.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior design certification, you will no doubt need some help in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design profession and its graduates are sought after. It might also indicate that the college has a significant network of Eden NC business relationships where they can place students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Eden NC colleges you are looking at and ask what type of aid they offer. Many of interior designer schools offer financial aid to their new students. Certain schools offer partial scholarships while others provide help in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Large are the Classes? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Eden NC schools you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Eden home, visit the campus and sit in on 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 approaches are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior designer school you select provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Eden NC, make sure that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, check that is an option also. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.