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Topics to Ask Interior Design Colleges
After you have decided on the interior design degree that you would like 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 Monroe NC home. Obviously if you are interested in attending an online school, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will decrease your choices as well. But picking the most affordable college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you should look at also, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Following are a few questions that you may want to address with the programs you are reviewing to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you examine and subsequently select the right degree program.
Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior designer program and college that you select has been accredited by either a national or regional organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment of their programs and teachers. 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 establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are exceptional, it might also help when securing financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, many Monroe NC employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.
Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited college. And in several of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. So aside from furnishing an excellent education, the Monroe NC college you enroll in should also provide the appropriate instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum licensing requirements for North Carolina or the State where you will be employed.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will no doubt want some support in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good indication that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It might also signify that the school has a significant network of Monroe NC business connections where they can place students to obtain internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Provided? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Monroe NC colleges you are reviewing and ask what kind of aid they offer. Many of interior design programs offer financial aid to their new students. Certain colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide help in acquiring grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you may receive little individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Monroe NC colleges you are considering what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Monroe home, go to the school and attend a few classes. While there speak with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior designer college you select offers classes the fit your active 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 Monroe NC, confirm that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.