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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Schools
When you have selected the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of assessing your college options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the campus has to be within driving distance from your Martinsburg WV home. Naturally if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will limit your options as well. But choosing the most affordable college or the one that is nearest to home are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you need to look at also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a list of questions that you may want to address with the programs you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you compare and subsequently choose the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's imperative to verify that the interior designer college and program that you choose has earned accreditation from either a regional or national agency. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous assessment of their programs and teachers. Just make sure that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are exceptional, it may also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Martinsburg WV employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.
Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States requiring licensing, 2 or more years of professional experience may be required as well. Therefore aside from furnishing an excellent education, the Martinsburg WV college you choose should also provide the proper education to pass the NCIDQ examination and meet the minimum requirements for licensing for West Virginia or the State where you will be working.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and obtained your interior design certification, you will no doubt want some support in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are looking at if they have a job placement program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent indication that the college and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design trade and its graduates are sought after. It could also indicate that the school has a sizable network of Martinsburg WV business contacts where they can refer students to obtain internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Assistance Provided? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Martinsburg WV colleges you are looking at and find out what kind of support they offer. Many of interior design schools offer financial aid to their new students. Some colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide assistance in securing federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited school is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Large are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive little individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Martinsburg WV schools you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Martinsburg home, go to the college 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 philosophies are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior design school you enroll in offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Martinsburg WV, verify that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.