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Topics to Ask Interior Design Colleges
Now that you have decided on 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 college has to be within commuting distance from your Teays Valley WV home. Naturally if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will narrow down 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 should consider also, including the accreditation and reputation of the school. Following are a list of questions that you may want to address with the programs you are reviewing to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and ultimately select the right degree program.
Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's important to verify that the interior designer college and program that you choose has been accredited by either a regional or national organization. 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 rigorous assessment of their programs and teachers. Just confirm 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 education are excellent, it may also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Teays Valley WV employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.
Does the Program Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do mandate that interior designers get 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 school. And in some of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of work experience may be required also. So aside from furnishing an outstanding education, the Teays Valley WV school you choose should also provide the proper training to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum requirements for licensing for West Virginia or the State where you will be working.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior design certification, you will probably need some help in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If yes, 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 regard within the interior design trade and its graduates are in demand. It might also indicate that the school has a sizable network of Teays Valley WV business relationships where they can refer students to obtain internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Assistance Provided? Contact the financial aid offices for the Teays Valley WV colleges you are reviewing and ask what type of aid they offer. A number of interior design schools provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Certain colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide help in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Big are the Classes? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Teays Valley WV schools you are looking at what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Teays Valley home, visit the school and attend a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.
Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior designer program you select provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Teays Valley WV, make sure that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, check that is an option also. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.