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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Schools
Once you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of reviewing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the campus must be within commuting distance from your Shelby NC home. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will narrow down your choices as well. But picking the most affordable school 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 also, including the reputation and accreditation of the program. Following are a few questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others to help you assess and ultimately pick the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's essential to confirm that the interior design program and college that you select has been accredited by either a national or regional agency. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive assessment of their programs and instructors. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are exceptional, it may also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Shelby NC employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.
Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of work experience may be required also. Therefore aside from furnishing an excellent education, the Shelby NC program you choose should also provide the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and comply with the minimum licensing requirements for North Carolina or the State where you will be working.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will probably need some support in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance 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 trade and its students are in demand. It may also indicate that the college has a sizable network of Shelby NC business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial assistance offices for the Shelby NC schools you are evaluating and ask what type of support they offer. A number of interior design schools offer financial assistance to their incoming students. Various schools provide partial scholarships and others provide help in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Large are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Shelby NC schools you are considering what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Shelby home, go to the college and monitor 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 philosophies are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior design college you enroll in offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Shelby NC, make sure that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, check that is an alternative as well. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.