IT TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES TO START YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN CAREER BELOW!
Questions 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 reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the campus must be within commuting distance from your Weirton WV home. Naturally if you are interested in attending an online school, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will limit your choices as well. But choosing the cheapest school or the one that is closest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other things that you need to look at as well, such as the accreditation and reputation of the college. Following are a few concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are considering to get those answers in addition to others to help you compare and subsequently choose the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's imperative to verify that the interior design college and program that you enroll in has been accredited by either a national or regional organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive evaluation of their instructors and programs. Just confirm 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 college and the quality of the training are excellent, it may also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, many Weirton WV employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.
Does the Program Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do require 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 college. And in some of those States requiring licensing, two or more years of professional experience may be required as well. So in addition to providing an outstanding education, the Weirton WV college you enroll in should also furnish the suitable training 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 College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will no doubt want some help in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good indication that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design trade and its students are in demand. It could also signify that the school has a substantial network of Weirton WV business relationships where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Get in touch with the financial aid departments for the Weirton WV colleges you are reviewing and find out what kind of aid they offer. Many of interior designer schools offer financial assistance to their incoming students. Certain colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in securing federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial aid.
How Small are the Classes? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Weirton WV schools you are reviewing what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Weirton home, visit the campus and sit in on a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk 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 Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior designer school you choose provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Weirton WV, confirm that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.