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What to Ask Interior Design Programs
After you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of evaluating your school options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the school must be within commuting distance from your Fairmont WV home. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will decrease your options as well. But selecting the cheapest school or the one that is nearest to your house are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you should look at also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a few questions that you may want to address with the colleges you are reviewing to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you examine and subsequently pick the right degree program.
Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior designer program and college that you select has earned accreditation from either a national or regional organization. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive assessment of their programs and teachers. Just verify 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 training are exceptional, it may also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, many Fairmont WV employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.
Does the College Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required also. So aside from furnishing an outstanding education, the Fairmont WV program you enroll in should also provide the appropriate instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum requirements for licensing for West Virginia or the State where you will be employed.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design field and its graduates are sought after. It might also indicate that the college has a sizable network of Fairmont WV business connections where they can place students to secure internships or employment after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Fairmont WV colleges you are looking at and find out what kind of assistance they provide. A number of interior design colleges provide financial aid to their new students. Various schools offer partial scholarships while others provide help in obtaining grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Big are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Fairmont WV colleges you are looking at what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Fairmont home, visit the college and attend a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Finally, make sure that the interior designer school you choose provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Fairmont WV, verify that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, check that is an alternative also. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.