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Topics to Ask Interior Designer Schools
After you have decided on the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of analyzing your college options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the school has to be within commuting distance from your South Burlington VT home. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will limit your choices also. But selecting the least expensive school or the one that is closest to home are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you should look at also, including the accreditation and reputation of the college. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask 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 Design College Accredited? It's important to verify that the interior design program and college that you select has earned accreditation from 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). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive evaluation of their instructors and programs. Just verify 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 school and the quality of the training are exceptional, it may also help when securing financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of South Burlington VT employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.
Does the College Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in some of those States mandating licensing, 2 or more years of work experience may be required also. Therefore aside from providing an excellent education, the South Burlington VT school you select should also furnish the appropriate instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy 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 earned your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly need some help in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are considering if they have a job placement program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good indication that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design field and its students are sought after. It might also signify that the school has a substantial network of South Burlington VT business contacts where they can place students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.
Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial assistance offices for the South Burlington VT schools you are looking at and find out what kind of support they provide. Many of interior design colleges provide financial assistance to their new students. Various schools provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Big are the Classes? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the South Burlington VT programs you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your South Burlington home, go to the campus and attend a few classes. Take the opportunity to speak with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior design college you enroll in offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near South Burlington VT, verify that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, verify that is an option also. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.