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Subjects to Ask Interior Design Schools
When you have selected the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can start the task of evaluating your school options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the campus has to be within driving distance from your Wake Forest NC residence. Naturally if you have decided on attending an online school, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will decrease your choices as well. But selecting the most affordable school or the one that is closest to your house are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you should consider also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the program. Below are a few questions that you may want to address with the schools you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others in order to help you examine and subsequently select the right degree program.
Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior design program and college that you enroll in has been accredited by 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding evaluation of their instructors and programs. Just make sure that both the college and the degree program 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 education are excellent, it might also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, many Wake Forest NC employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.
Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some 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 some of those States calling for licensing, two or more years of professional experience may be required as well. So besides providing an excellent education, the Wake Forest NC college you select should also furnish the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum licensing requirements for North Carolina or the State where you will be working.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior design certification, you will no doubt need some help in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It might also indicate that the college has a significant network of Wake Forest NC business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial aid offices for the Wake Forest NC colleges you are reviewing and ask what kind of assistance they provide. Many of interior design programs offer financial aid to their new students. Some colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.
How Large are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Wake Forest NC schools you are looking at what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Wake Forest home, visit the campus and sit in on a couple of classes. While there speak with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior designer school you enroll in provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Wake Forest NC, confirm that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, check that is an alternative as well. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.