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What to Ask Interior Design Programs
When you have decided on the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of analyzing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the campus must be within commuting distance from your Havelock NC home. Naturally if you have decided on attending an online school, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will limit your options as well. But selecting the cheapest college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other things that you need to look at as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the school. Following are a list of questions that you may want to address with the colleges you are considering to obtain those answers in addition to others in order to help you examine and ultimately choose the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's imperative to confirm 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 industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools earning 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 verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are exceptional, it may also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Havelock NC employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.
Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited program. And in some of those States calling for licensing, two or more years of work experience may be required also. So in addition to furnishing an excellent education, the Havelock NC college you enroll in should also furnish the proper training to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for North Carolina or the State where you will be employed.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly want some help in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good indication that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design trade and its students are in demand. It may also signify that the school has a significant network of Havelock NC business connections where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Havelock NC schools you are reviewing and find out what type of support they offer. Many of interior designer schools provide financial aid to their new students. Some colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited school is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Large are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Havelock NC schools you are reviewing what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Havelock home, visit the college and attend a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.
Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior design college you choose provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Havelock NC, make sure that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, check what the process is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.