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Subjects to Ask Interior Design Colleges
When you have chosen the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the campus must be within commuting distance from your Southern Pines NC residence. Obviously if you are interested in attending a school online, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will narrow down your options 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 decision. There are other things that you need to consider as well, such as the accreditation and reputation of the program. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to ask the schools you are reviewing to obtain those answers in addition to others in order to help you compare and subsequently pick the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the interior designer school and program that you enroll in 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 obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding evaluation of their programs and instructors. Just confirm that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are exceptional, 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 Southern Pines NC employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.
Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do require 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 school. And in several of those States calling for licensing, a minimum of 2 years of work experience may be required also. So in addition to providing an exceptional education, the Southern Pines NC school you choose should also furnish the suitable training 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? After you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job placement program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent sign that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design field and its students are in demand. It may also signify that the school has a significant network of Southern Pines NC business contacts where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Available? Contact the financial aid departments for the Southern Pines NC schools you are evaluating and find out what kind of aid they offer. A number of interior designer programs offer financial assistance to their new students. Some schools provide partial scholarships while others provide help in obtaining grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. In some cases a program that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Large are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Southern Pines NC schools you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Southern Pines home, visit the campus and monitor a few classes. While there speak with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior design program you select provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly significant if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Southern Pines NC, confirm that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, verify that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.