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Topics to Ask Interior Designer Schools
When you have selected the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of assessing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the school must be within driving distance from your Mebane NC residence. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are able to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will limit your options as well. But picking the most affordable school or the one that is closest to your house are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you should consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the college. Following are a few questions that you may want to address with the colleges you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others to help you assess and ultimately pick the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior designer school and program that you enroll in has been accredited by either a national or regional 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 undergone a rigorous assessment of their teachers and programs. Just make sure that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are outstanding, it might also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, many Mebane NC employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.
Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do mandate that interior designers get 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 several of those States mandating licensing, a minimum of 2 years of professional experience may be required also. So besides furnishing an excellent education, the Mebane NC school you select should also furnish the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum requirements for licensing for North Carolina or the State where you will be employed.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If so, 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 trade and its students are in demand. It could also signify that the college has a sizable network of Mebane NC business connections where they can refer students to obtain internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Get in touch with the financial assistance offices for the Mebane NC colleges you are looking at and ask what kind of assistance they provide. Many of interior designer colleges provide financial aid to their new students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships while others provide support in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that choosing an accredited college is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.
How Large are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Mebane NC colleges you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Mebane home, visit the school and attend a few classes. Take the opportunity to speak with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior designer college you choose offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Mebane NC, make certain that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an alternative also. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.