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Questions to Ask Interior Design Schools
After you have decided on the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of analyzing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the college needs to be within commuting distance from your Winston Salem NC residence. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will decrease your options as well. But choosing the least expensive college or the one that is closest to your house are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other things that you should consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the program. Following are a few concerns that you may want to ask the schools you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you compare and subsequently choose the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior design school and program that you enroll in has been accredited by either a national or regional agency. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous assessment of their instructors and programs. 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 verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are outstanding, it may also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, many Winston Salem NC employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.
Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do mandate that interior designers get 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 mandating licensing, two or more years of professional experience may be required also. So aside from furnishing an outstanding education, the Winston Salem NC school you choose should also provide the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with the minimum requirements for licensing for North Carolina or the State where you will be working.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some help in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent sign that the school and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design trade and its graduates are sought after. It could also indicate that the school has a substantial network of Winston Salem NC business connections where they can place students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Provided? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Winston Salem NC schools you are reviewing and find out what kind of assistance they offer. Many of interior design schools provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships while others provide help in acquiring grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited program is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Big are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Winston Salem NC colleges you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Winston Salem home, visit the college and sit in on a couple of classes. While there speak with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.
Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior designer program you choose provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Winston Salem NC, make sure that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.