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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Programs
Now that you have decided on the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the process of analyzing your school options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the campus needs to be within driving distance from your Hendersonville NC residence. Naturally 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 fee for tuition will decrease your options also. But selecting the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to your house are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other things that you should consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask the schools you are looking at to get those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and ultimately pick the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's imperative to make sure that the interior design program and school that you enroll in has earned accreditation from 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). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive evaluation of their teachers and programs. Just verify that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are excellent, it might also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Hendersonville NC employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.
Does the Program Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, 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) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited program. And in several of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore aside from furnishing an outstanding education, the Hendersonville NC school you enroll in should also furnish the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum licensing requirements for North Carolina or the State where you will be working.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior design certification, you will probably need some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the college and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It could also signify that the college has a significant network of Hendersonville NC business contacts where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial assistance offices for the Hendersonville NC colleges you are looking at and ask what type of support they offer. Many of interior design colleges offer financial assistance to their new students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships and others provide support in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited program is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Hendersonville NC schools you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Hendersonville home, go to the campus and attend a few classes. While there talk with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior designer college you choose offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Hendersonville NC, make certain 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 protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.