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Topics to Ask Interior Designer Programs
After you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of evaluating your college options. Location will be an important factor, particularly if the campus needs to be within driving distance from your Wheeling WV residence. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will limit your choices also. But choosing the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to home are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you should consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the program. Following are a list of questions that you may want to address with the programs you are looking at to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and subsequently pick the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's essential to confirm that the interior design program and college that you enroll in 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 earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous assessment of their programs and teachers. Just make sure 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 verify 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 offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Wheeling WV employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.
Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States calling for licensing, 2 or more years of work experience may be required also. So besides furnishing an exceptional education, the Wheeling WV program you choose should also provide the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for West Virginia or the State where you will be employed.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and earned your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some help in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are considering if they have a job placement program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design trade and its students are in demand. It may also indicate that the school has a large network of Wheeling WV business connections where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Assistance Provided? Get in touch with the financial aid departments for the Wheeling WV schools you are reviewing and find out what type of support they provide. Many of interior design colleges offer financial aid to their incoming students. Certain schools offer partial scholarships and others provide assistance in acquiring grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Wheeling WV programs you are reviewing what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Wheeling home, go to the campus and sit in on a few classes. While there speak with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, confirm that the interior design 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 at night or on weekends near Wheeling WV, confirm that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, confirm that is an alternative as well. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.