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What to Ask Interior Designer Programs
When you have chosen the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can start the task of analyzing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the campus needs to be within driving distance from your Thomasville NC home. Naturally if you are interested in attending a school online, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will narrow down your choices as well. But selecting the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you need to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a few concerns that you may want to address with the colleges you are reviewing to obtain those answers as well as others to help you compare and subsequently select the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's important to verify that the interior designer program and school 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 gone through a demanding assessment of their instructors and programs. Just verify that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are outstanding, it may also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Thomasville NC employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.
Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States requiring licensing, a minimum of 2 years of work experience may be required as well. Therefore in addition to providing an exceptional education, the Thomasville NC school you select should also furnish the proper training to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum licensing requirements for North Carolina or the State where you will be employed.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will no doubt want some support in finding your first position. Ask the colleges 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 college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It could also indicate that the college has a significant network of Thomasville NC business connections where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial assistance offices for the Thomasville NC colleges you are reviewing and ask what type of assistance they provide. Many of interior design programs provide financial aid to their new students. Various schools offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that choosing an accredited program is imperative for qualification in most cases. In some cases a school that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Large are the Classes? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Thomasville NC schools you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Thomasville home, visit the campus and attend a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior design program you enroll in offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Thomasville NC, verify that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, verify that is an option also. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.