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What to Ask Interior Designer Colleges
Once you have selected the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the task of reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the school needs to be within driving distance from your Colchester VT home. 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 cost of tuition will limit your options as well. But choosing the least expensive college or the one that is nearest to home are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other things that you need to look at as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a list of questions that you may want to address with the colleges you are looking at to get those answers as well as others in order to help you examine and subsequently select the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior designer program and college that you choose has earned accreditation from either a national or regional agency. 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 undergone 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 establish that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are outstanding, it may also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, many Colchester VT employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.
Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do mandate that interior designers get 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 program. And in several of those States mandating licensing, a minimum of 2 years of professional experience may be required as well. Therefore besides furnishing an exceptional education, the Colchester VT program you select should also provide the proper education to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with the minimum requirements for licensing for Vermont or the State where you will be employed.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and earned your interior designer certification, you will no doubt want some support in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It might also indicate that the college has a sizable network of Colchester VT business connections where they can place students to secure internships or employment after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Get in touch with the financial aid departments for the Colchester VT colleges you are looking at and ask what kind of support they offer. Many of interior designer colleges offer financial assistance to their new students. Some schools provide partial scholarships while others provide help in acquiring grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that choosing an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a program that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Colchester VT schools you are looking at what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Colchester home, visit the college and monitor a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to 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 Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design school you select offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Colchester VT, make certain that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, verify that is an option also. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.