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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Programs
When you have chosen the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of assessing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the college has to be within commuting distance from your Waxhaw NC home. Obviously if you have decided on attending an online school, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will limit your options also. But picking the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to your house are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you need to look at also, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are considering to get those answers in addition to others to help you assess and subsequently choose the right degree program.
Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior designer college and program that you choose has earned accreditation from either a regional or national agency. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous 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 acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are exceptional, it may also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, many Waxhaw NC employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.
Does the College Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited school. And in some of those States calling for licensing, at least 2 years of work experience may be required also. Therefore in addition to furnishing an exceptional education, the Waxhaw NC program you choose should also furnish the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet 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 obtained your interior design certification, you will probably need some support in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If so, 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 graduates are in demand. It might also indicate that the college has a sizable network of Waxhaw NC business connections where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Waxhaw NC schools you are looking at and ask what type of assistance they provide. Many of interior designer programs offer financial assistance to their incoming students. Certain schools offer partial scholarships while others provide help in obtaining federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Waxhaw NC colleges you are looking at what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Waxhaw home, visit the college and attend a few classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior design college you choose provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Waxhaw NC, make certain that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an option also. Finally, check what the process is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.