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Topics to Ask Interior Designer Programs
Once you have selected the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can start the task of reviewing your college options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the college must be within driving distance from your Gastonia NC home. Of course 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 expense for tuition will narrow down your choices also. But selecting the least expensive college or the one that is closest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you should consider also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the school. Below are a few questions that you may want to address with the programs you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others to help you assess and ultimately select the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's essential to confirm that the interior design program and college that you choose has earned accreditation from either a regional or national organization. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding assessment of their teachers and programs. Just confirm 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 confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are outstanding, it may also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Gastonia NC employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.
Does the Program Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would require 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. Therefore besides furnishing an exceptional education, the Gastonia NC college you select should also furnish the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ exam and comply with the minimum licensing requirements for North Carolina or the State where you will be working.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and earned your interior designer certification, you will probably want some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent indication that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It might also signify that the school has a significant network of Gastonia NC business connections where they can place students to obtain internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Available? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Gastonia NC colleges you are reviewing and ask what kind of assistance they provide. A number of interior design schools offer financial aid to their incoming students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships and others provide help in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its competitors because they provide 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 minimal individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Gastonia NC colleges you are looking at what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Gastonia home, visit the school and attend a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design school you enroll in provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Gastonia NC, make sure that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, check that is an alternative as well. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.