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Topics to Ask Interior Designer Colleges
When you have chosen the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can start the task of analyzing your college options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the school needs to be within commuting distance from your Knightdale NC home. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will decrease your options as well. But picking the cheapest school or the one that is nearest to home are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other factors that you should consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the college. Following are a few concerns that you may want to ask the programs you are looking at to get those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and subsequently choose the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's important to verify that the interior design program and school that you choose has been accredited by 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 obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive evaluation 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 acknowledged accrediting agency. 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 obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Knightdale NC employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.
Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited college. And in several of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of work experience may be required as well. So in addition to furnishing an outstanding education, the Knightdale NC school you enroll in should also furnish the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for North Carolina or the State where you will be employed.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly need some support 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 school and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design field and its graduates are in demand. It could also signify that the school has a sizable network of Knightdale NC business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or employment after graduation.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Knightdale NC schools you are reviewing and ask what type of aid they offer. A number of interior designer colleges offer financial aid to their new students. Various schools offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited school is imperative for qualification in most cases. In some cases a school that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Knightdale NC schools you are considering what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Knightdale home, visit the college and monitor a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, confirm that the interior designer college you enroll in provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Knightdale NC, confirm that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, verify that is an alternative also. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.