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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Colleges
When you have selected the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the college has to be within driving distance from your Harrisburg NC home. Naturally if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will limit your options also. But selecting the most affordable college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you need to look at also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the program. Below are a list of questions that you may want to address with the schools you are considering to obtain those answers in addition to others in order to help you compare and ultimately pick the right degree program.
Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior designer school and program that you choose has been accredited by either a national or regional 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 a rigorous 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 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 available for non-accredited schools. Also, many Harrisburg NC employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.
Does the Program Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of 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 college. And in some of those States calling for licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. Therefore in addition to furnishing an outstanding education, the Harrisburg NC college you select should also provide the appropriate instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with the minimum requirements for licensing for North Carolina or the State where you will be employed.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job placement program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent indication that the college and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design profession and its graduates are sought after. It could also indicate that the school has a large network of Harrisburg NC business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Provided? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Harrisburg NC schools you are looking at and ask what kind of aid they provide. Many of interior designer schools offer financial assistance to their new students. Various colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide help in securing federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Large are the Classes? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Harrisburg NC programs you are considering what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Harrisburg home, go to the school and monitor a couple of 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 Available that Fit your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior designer program you choose offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Harrisburg NC, verify that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, check that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.