IT TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES TO START YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN CAREER BELOW!
What to Ask Interior Design Programs
After you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of evaluating your school options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the college has to be within commuting distance from your Graham NC residence. Of course if you are interested in attending an online school, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will narrow down your options as well. But choosing the most affordable college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you should look at also, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Following are a list of concerns that you may want to ask the programs you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you examine and ultimately choose the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's imperative to make sure that the interior designer college and program that you select has been accredited by 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive assessment of their instructors and programs. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help establish 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 available for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Graham NC employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.
Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in several of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of occupational experience may be required as well. Therefore besides providing an outstanding education, the Graham NC program you choose should also furnish the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum requirements for licensing 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 designer certification, you will probably need some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design trade and its graduates are sought after. It may also indicate that the school has a sizable network of Graham NC business relationships where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Aid Available? Get in touch with the financial aid departments for the Graham NC colleges you are looking at and find out what kind of aid they offer. Many of interior designer colleges provide financial aid to their new students. Various colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide support in acquiring federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Small are the Classes? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Graham NC colleges you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Graham home, go to the school and sit in on a few classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior designer program you select offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Graham NC, verify that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, verify that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.