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Topics to Ask Interior Designer Colleges
Once you have selected the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the task of evaluating your school options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the campus must be within commuting distance from your Beckley WV home. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will decrease your choices also. But selecting the cheapest school or the one that is nearest to home are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other things that you should look at as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the school. Following are a list of questions that you may want to address with the colleges you are looking at to get those answers in addition to others to help you assess and subsequently pick the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the interior design program and college that you choose has been accredited by either a regional or national agency. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous assessment 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 confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are exceptional, it may also help when requesting financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Beckley WV employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.
Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do require that interior designers get 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 calling for licensing, a minimum of 2 years of professional experience may be required as well. Therefore aside from furnishing an outstanding education, the Beckley WV school you choose should also furnish the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for West Virginia or the State where you will be employed.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some support in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the college and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It could also indicate that the school has a substantial network of Beckley WV business connections where they can place students to obtain internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial assistance offices for the Beckley WV colleges you are looking at and find out what type of aid they provide. Many of interior design schools offer financial assistance to their incoming students. Various colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in obtaining grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited program is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Big are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Beckley WV colleges you are considering what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Beckley home, go to the college and sit in on a few 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 experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior designer program you enroll in provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Beckley WV, verify that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, verify that is an alternative also. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.