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Topics to Ask Interior Designer Schools
Now that you have chosen the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can start the task of assessing your school options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the campus must be within commuting distance from your Hope Mills NC residence. Obviously if you have decided on attending an online school, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will decrease your options as well. But selecting the cheapest college or the one that is nearest to your house are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you need to consider also, including the accreditation and reputation of the college. Following are a list of questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you examine and ultimately pick the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior designer school and program that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a regional or national agency. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive evaluation of their programs and teachers. Just confirm 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 confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are outstanding, it may also help when requesting financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Hope Mills NC employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.
Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do require that interior designers become 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 college. And in some of those States mandating licensing, at least 2 years of work experience may be required also. So in addition to furnishing an excellent education, the Hope Mills NC school you choose should also provide the proper education to pass the NCIDQ examination 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? After you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly want some support in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design field and its students are in demand. It may also signify that the college has a significant network of Hope Mills NC business relationships where they can place students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Provided? Get in touch with the financial assistance offices for the Hope Mills NC colleges you are looking at and find out what type of support they provide. Many of interior design schools provide financial aid to their new students. Various colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide assistance in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that choosing an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Big are the Classes? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Hope Mills NC programs you are looking at what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Hope Mills home, visit the college and sit in on a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with a few 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 Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior designer college you choose offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Hope Mills NC, confirm that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, check 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.