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Questions to Ask Interior Design Schools
Now that you have chosen the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of reviewing your school options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the campus needs to be within driving distance from your Holly Springs NC home. Naturally if you are interested in attending an online school, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will limit your options as well. But picking the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you need to consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are reviewing to obtain those answers in addition to others in order to help you assess and subsequently pick the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior design college and program that you select has earned accreditation from either a regional or national agency. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous assessment of their programs and instructors. Just make sure that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are excellent, it may also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, many Holly Springs NC employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.
Does the Program Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in several of those States calling for licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required also. Therefore in addition to furnishing an outstanding education, the Holly Springs NC school you select should also provide the proper training to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum requirements for licensing for North Carolina or the State where you will be working.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will probably need some support in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are looking at 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 school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design field and its graduates are sought after. It might also signify that the college has a large network of Holly Springs NC business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial aid offices for the Holly Springs NC schools you are looking at and ask what type of support they offer. Many of interior design schools offer financial assistance to their incoming students. Certain colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in securing federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Holly Springs NC schools you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Holly Springs home, visit the school and sit in on a few classes. While there speak with some students and find out 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? Last, make sure that the interior designer school you choose provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Holly Springs NC, make certain that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an option as well. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.