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Topics to Ask Interior Designer Colleges
When you have selected the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the task of assessing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the school must be within driving distance from your Greenville NC home. Obviously if you are interested in attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will decrease your choices as well. But selecting the least expensive college or the one that is closest to your house are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you should look at also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a list of questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are considering to obtain those answers in addition to others in order to help you assess and subsequently pick the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the interior design school and program that you enroll in has been accredited by either a regional or national agency. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous assessment of their instructors and programs. Just confirm 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 establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are outstanding, it might also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, many Greenville NC employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.
Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would require 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 calling for licensing, a minimum of 2 years of professional experience may be required also. So besides furnishing an exceptional education, the Greenville NC school you select should also furnish the appropriate education to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet 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 no doubt need some support in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design trade and its graduates are sought after. It could also signify that the school has a substantial network of Greenville NC business relationships where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Assistance Provided? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Greenville NC colleges you are reviewing and find out what kind of support they provide. A number of interior designer colleges offer financial aid to their incoming students. Some colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide support in securing grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial aid.
How Large are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Greenville NC colleges you are considering what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Greenville home, visit the campus 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 approaches are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design program you choose provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Greenville NC, make sure that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, check that is an alternative as well. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.