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Subjects to Ask Interior Design Schools
When you have decided on the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of assessing your college options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the campus has to be within commuting distance from your Kernersville NC residence. Obviously if you are interested in attending a school online, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will decrease your options also. But selecting the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other things that you should consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Following are a few questions that you may want to address with the colleges you are reviewing to obtain those answers as well as others to help you assess and ultimately choose the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior designer college and program that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a national or regional organization. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through 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 acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are excellent, it might also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Kernersville NC employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.
Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do require that interior designers get 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. So in addition to providing an exceptional education, the Kernersville NC college you choose should also furnish the suitable instruction 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 School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will no doubt need some help in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design trade and its students are sought after. It might also indicate that the college has a sizable network of Kernersville NC business contacts where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Available? Contact the financial aid departments for the Kernersville NC schools you are looking at and ask what type of support they offer. A number of interior designer schools offer financial aid to their incoming students. Certain colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Big are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Kernersville NC schools you are considering what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Kernersville home, visit the school and sit in on a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior design program you choose provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Kernersville NC, make sure that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, confirm that is an alternative as well. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.