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Topics to Ask Interior Design Schools
After you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of assessing your college options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the school needs to be within driving distance from your Charleston WV residence. Obviously if you have decided on attending a school online, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will limit your choices also. But picking the most affordable college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other factors that you need to look at also, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a few concerns that you may want to address with the colleges you are looking at to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you compare and ultimately choose the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's necessary to confirm that the interior design college and program that you choose has earned accreditation from either a regional or national organization. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive evaluation of their teachers and programs. Just make sure that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are outstanding, it might also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Charleston WV employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.
Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do require 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 college. And in several of those States mandating licensing, 2 or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. So in addition to furnishing an excellent education, the Charleston WV school you choose should also provide the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum requirements for licensing for West Virginia or the State where you will be employed.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will probably need some help in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are reviewing 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 held in high esteem within the interior design field and its graduates are sought after. It could also signify that the school has a substantial network of Charleston WV business relationships where they can place students to obtain internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Get in touch with the financial aid departments for the Charleston WV colleges you are evaluating and find out what kind of support they provide. A number of interior design programs provide financial assistance to their new students. Various colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide support in acquiring grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Charleston WV programs you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Charleston home, go to the campus and sit in on a few classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design program you enroll in provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Charleston WV, confirm that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, verify that is an alternative as well. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.