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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Schools
After you have selected the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of analyzing your school options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the school has to be within driving distance from your Fayetteville NC residence. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will decrease your options also. But choosing the least expensive college or the one that is nearest to your house are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you should look at also, including the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a list of questions that you may want to ask the programs you are considering to get 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 imperative to verify that the interior designer college and program that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a regional or national agency. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their programs and teachers. Just make sure that both the degree program and the college 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 excellent, it might also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Fayetteville NC employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.
Does the Program Prep 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) examination as well as 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 in addition to furnishing an outstanding education, the Fayetteville NC school you choose should also provide the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with the minimum licensing requirements for North Carolina or the State where you will be employed.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will probably want some help in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good indication that the school and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design trade and its graduates are sought after. It could also signify that the college has a large network of Fayetteville NC business connections where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Available? Contact the financial aid departments for the Fayetteville NC schools you are looking at and ask what kind of aid they offer. A number of interior design schools provide financial assistance to their new students. Some schools offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Fayetteville NC programs you are looking at what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Fayetteville home, visit the campus and monitor a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make sure that the interior designer program you choose provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Fayetteville NC, make certain that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, check that is an option also. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.