IT TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES TO START YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN CAREER BELOW!
Questions to Ask Interior Designer Programs
After you have decided on the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can start the process of assessing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the school must be within commuting distance from your Clarksburg WV home. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will narrow down your options also. But choosing the least expensive college or the one that is nearest to home are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other factors that you should consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the school. Following are a few concerns that you may want to address with the colleges you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others to help you examine and subsequently pick the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior designer college and program that you select has been accredited by either a regional or national organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive assessment of their programs and teachers. Just verify that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are exceptional, it might also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, many Clarksburg WV employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.
Does the College Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited program. And in several of those States mandating licensing, 2 or more years of professional experience may be required as well. So in addition to providing an exceptional education, the Clarksburg WV college you enroll in should also provide the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ exam and comply with the minimum requirements for licensing for West Virginia or the State where you will be working.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and earned your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the school and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design trade and its graduates are sought after. It could also signify that the college has a substantial network of Clarksburg WV business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Clarksburg WV schools you are reviewing and find out what kind of support they offer. A number of interior designer programs provide financial assistance to their new students. Some colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide support in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited college is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Clarksburg WV colleges you are looking at what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Clarksburg home, go to the college and monitor a few classes. While there speak with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make sure that the interior design school you choose 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 in the evening or on weekends near Clarksburg WV, make certain that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, verify that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.