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Topics to Ask Interior Design Programs
Now that you have selected the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can start the process of evaluating your college options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the campus must be within commuting distance from your Rutland VT residence. Obviously if you have decided on attending a school online, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will narrow down your options also. But picking the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you need to look at also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the program. Following are a few concerns that you may want to address with the schools you are considering to get those answers as well as others in order to help you compare and subsequently choose the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's imperative to verify that the interior design program and college that you choose has earned accreditation from either a regional or national organization. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their programs and teachers. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college 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 requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Rutland VT employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.
Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in several of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of work experience may be required also. Therefore aside from providing an excellent education, the Rutland VT school you choose should also provide the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Vermont or the State where you will be employed.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly want some help in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good indication that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It might also signify that the school has a substantial network of Rutland VT business relationships where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Rutland VT schools you are reviewing and ask what kind of support they offer. Many of interior designer programs provide financial aid to their new students. Some colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Large are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Rutland VT schools you are looking at what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Rutland home, go to the campus and monitor a few classes. While there talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Finally, make sure that the interior design program you select provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Rutland VT, make certain that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, check that is an option also. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.