IT TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES TO START YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN CAREER BELOW!
Questions to Ask Interior Designer Programs
After you have chosen the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of reviewing your school options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the college has to be within commuting distance from your Elizabeth City NC home. Naturally if you have decided on attending a school online, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will decrease your options also. But picking the most affordable school or the one that is closest to your house are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you should consider as well, such as the accreditation and reputation of the program. Below are a few concerns that you may want to ask the programs you are considering to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you examine and subsequently pick the right degree program.
Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the interior designer school and program that you enroll in has been accredited by either a national or regional agency. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive assessment of their programs and teachers. Just make sure 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 establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are exceptional, it might also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Elizabeth City NC employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.
Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do require that interior designers become 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 school. And in several of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of professional experience may be required also. So aside from furnishing an exceptional education, the Elizabeth City NC school you select should also provide the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum requirements for licensing for North Carolina or the State where you will be employed.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly need some support in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are looking at if they have a job placement program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design trade and its students are sought after. It could also signify that the college has a substantial network of Elizabeth City NC business connections where they can place students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Elizabeth City NC colleges you are evaluating and ask what type of aid they offer. Many of interior design programs provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Certain colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide assistance in acquiring grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited program is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Elizabeth City NC schools you are considering what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Elizabeth City home, go to the campus and sit in on a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior design college you select offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Elizabeth City NC, make certain that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, check that is an alternative also. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.