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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Schools
When you have selected 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 issue, especially if the college has to be within driving distance from your Greensboro NC home. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will limit your choices as well. But choosing the most affordable school or the one that is closest to home are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you should consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a few concerns that you may want to ask the programs you are looking at to get those answers as well as others to help you assess and subsequently pick the right degree program.
Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the interior designer program and school that you choose 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). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive evaluation of their programs and instructors. Just make sure that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are outstanding, it may also help when securing financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Greensboro NC employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.
Does the College Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do mandate that interior designers become 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 program. And in some of those States requiring licensing, 2 or more years of professional experience may be required as well. Therefore aside from furnishing an exceptional education, the Greensboro NC school you choose should also furnish the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum requirements for licensing for North Carolina or the State where you will be working.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and received your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly want some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher 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 school has a sizable network of Greensboro NC business relationships where they can place students to obtain internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Greensboro NC colleges you are reviewing and find out what type of assistance they provide. Many of interior designer schools provide financial aid to their new students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in obtaining grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that choosing an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Greensboro NC schools you are looking at what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Greensboro home, go to the school and monitor a few classes. While there talk with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design college you choose 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 Greensboro NC, make certain that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.