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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Programs
Once you have decided on the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of analyzing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the college needs to be within commuting distance from your Ashwaubenon WI residence. Naturally if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will limit your choices as well. But choosing the least expensive school or the one that is closest to home are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you need to look at as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the program. Following are a few questions that you may want to address with the colleges you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you compare and ultimately pick the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior design program and school that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a regional or national organization. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their programs and teachers. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. 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 obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Ashwaubenon WI employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.
Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited program. And in some of those States requiring licensing, 2 or more years of work experience may be required also. So aside from providing an exceptional education, the Ashwaubenon WI program you choose should also provide the proper training to pass the NCIDQ exam and comply with the minimum requirements for licensing for Wisconsin or the State where you will be employed.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will probably want some help in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent sign that the school 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 Ashwaubenon WI business connections where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Available? Contact the financial aid offices for the Ashwaubenon WI schools you are evaluating and find out what type of aid they offer. Many of interior designer programs provide financial assistance to their new students. Certain colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide assistance in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial aid.
How Small are the Classes? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you may receive little individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Ashwaubenon WI programs you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Ashwaubenon home, visit the school and attend a few classes. While there talk with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior design school you enroll in provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Ashwaubenon WI, confirm that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an option also. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.