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Topics to Ask Interior Design Colleges
Once you have decided on the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of analyzing your college options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the school needs to be within commuting distance from your Kannapolis NC residence. Naturally if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will limit your choices also. But picking 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 consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the program. Following are a few concerns that you may want to address with the schools you are reviewing to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you compare and ultimately select the right degree program.
Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior designer program and college that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a regional or national organization. One of the most highly regarded 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 teachers. Just verify that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are outstanding, it might also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Kannapolis NC employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.
Does the Program Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States requiring licensing, a minimum of 2 years of occupational experience may be required also. So in addition to providing an exceptional education, the Kannapolis NC program you enroll in should also furnish the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum licensing requirements for North Carolina or the State where you will be working.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will probably want some help 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 higher rate is a good sign that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design trade and its graduates are in demand. It may also signify that the school has a large network of Kannapolis NC business connections where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Provided? Get in touch with the financial assistance offices for the Kannapolis NC colleges you are reviewing and ask what type of aid they provide. Many of interior designer schools provide financial aid to their new students. Some schools provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Large are the Classes? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive little individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Kannapolis NC colleges you are looking at what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Kannapolis home, visit the school and monitor a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with a few 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 Accommodate your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior designer college you enroll in offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Kannapolis NC, make sure that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, verify that is an option also. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.