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Subjects to Ask Interior Design Programs
Now that you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of assessing your school options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the campus must be within driving distance from your Hickory NC home. Obviously if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will decrease your options also. But selecting the most affordable college or the one that is closest to home are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other factors that you need to look at as well, such as the accreditation and reputation of the school. Following are a list of questions that you may want to ask the schools you are looking at to get those answers as well as others to help you examine and subsequently select the right degree program.
Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior design college and program that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a national or regional agency. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive evaluation of their programs and teachers. Just verify that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are excellent, it may also help when securing financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Hickory NC employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.
Does the School Ready 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) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited program. And in some of those States mandating licensing, 2 or more years of work experience may be required as well. So in addition to providing an outstanding education, the Hickory NC program you enroll in should also provide the suitable training to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for North Carolina or the State where you will be working.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will probably need some assistance in finding your first job. 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 higher rate is an excellent indication that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design trade and its students are in demand. It might also indicate that the school has a sizable network of Hickory NC business connections where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Hickory NC colleges you are evaluating and ask what type of aid they provide. Many of interior designer colleges provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships while others provide support in obtaining grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited school is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate 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 Hickory NC programs you are reviewing what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Hickory home, visit the campus and monitor a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior designer college you select offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Hickory NC, make certain that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, verify that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.