IT TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES TO START YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN CAREER BELOW!
Topics to Ask Interior Designer Colleges
Now that you have chosen the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can start the task of reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the school needs to be within driving distance from your Mooresville NC home. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will decrease your options also. But selecting the least expensive college or the one that is closest to home are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other factors that you need to consider as well, such as the accreditation and reputation of the college. Following are a list of questions that you may want to address with the programs you are considering to obtain those answers in addition to others in order to help you examine and ultimately pick the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior design program and school that you select 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 receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding evaluation of their teachers and programs. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college 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 training are exceptional, 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 Mooresville NC employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.
Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do mandate that interior designers become 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 some of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of occupational experience may be required as well. So in addition to furnishing an exceptional education, the Mooresville NC school you enroll in should also furnish the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ exam and comply with the minimum requirements for licensing for North Carolina or the State where you will be employed.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and received your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly want some support in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design profession and its graduates are sought after. It could also signify that the college has a large network of Mooresville NC business relationships where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after graduation.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial aid offices for the Mooresville NC colleges you are reviewing and ask what type of aid they offer. Many of interior design programs provide financial aid to their new students. Some schools offer partial scholarships and others provide help in obtaining grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Mooresville NC programs you are reviewing what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Mooresville home, visit the school and attend a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior designer college you enroll in provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Mooresville NC, make sure that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.