IT TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES TO START YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN CAREER BELOW!
Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Colleges
When you have chosen the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the task of analyzing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the school has to be within driving distance from your South Charleston WV home. Obviously if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will decrease your options as well. 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 factors that you need to look at as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a list of questions that you may want to address with the schools you are reviewing to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you assess and subsequently select the right degree program.
Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior design program and school that you select has earned accreditation from either a national or regional agency. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding evaluation 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 acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are exceptional, it might also help when requesting financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of South Charleston WV employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.
Does the Program Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do mandate that interior designers become 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 program. And in several of those States requiring licensing, 2 or more years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore in addition to providing an excellent education, the South Charleston WV school you choose should also furnish the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ examination and meet 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 received your interior design certification, you will probably want some support in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design profession and its graduates are in demand. It might also indicate that the college has a significant network of South Charleston WV business connections where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial assistance departments for the South Charleston WV schools you are looking at and ask what type of assistance they provide. A number of interior designer programs offer financial assistance to their incoming students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships and others provide assistance in acquiring grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Big are the Classes? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive little individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the South Charleston WV schools you are looking at what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your South Charleston home, go to the school and attend a few classes. While there speak with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Finally, make sure that the interior designer college you select provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near South Charleston WV, confirm that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, check that is an option also. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.