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What to Ask Interior Design Programs
After you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of reviewing your school options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the school must be within driving distance from your Garner NC home. Obviously if you have decided on attending an online school, or are able to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will decrease your choices also. But picking the least expensive school or the one that is closest to your house are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you should look at as well, such as the accreditation and reputation of the program. Following are a few questions that you may want to ask the schools you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others to help you examine and subsequently select the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's important to verify that the interior design program and school that you select 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). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive evaluation of their programs and instructors. Just confirm 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 school and the quality of the training are exceptional, it might also help when requesting financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Garner NC employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.
Does the College Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, 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 school. And in several of those States requiring licensing, 2 or more years of work experience may be required also. So in addition to providing an outstanding education, the Garner NC school you select should also furnish the appropriate instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum licensing requirements for North Carolina or the State where you will be employed.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly want some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job placement program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent indication that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design trade and its graduates are in demand. It may also signify that the school has a significant network of Garner NC business connections where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Available? Contact the financial aid offices for the Garner NC schools you are reviewing and find out what type of aid they offer. Many of interior designer colleges provide financial assistance to their new students. Some colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide support in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited college is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial aid.
How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you may receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Garner NC colleges you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Garner home, go to the school and monitor 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 experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior design college you choose offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Garner NC, confirm that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.