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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Schools
When you have chosen the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of reviewing your college options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the school has to be within commuting distance from your Beloit WI residence. Of course if you are interested in 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 options also. But picking the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to home are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you should look at as well, such as the accreditation and reputation of the college. Following are a list of questions that you may want to address with the schools you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you assess and ultimately choose the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's imperative to make sure that the interior designer program and college that you enroll in has been accredited by either a regional or national agency. One of the most respected in the field 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 instructors. 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 verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are excellent, it may also help when securing financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Beloit WI employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.
Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do require that interior designers get 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 college. And in some of those States requiring licensing, 2 or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. Therefore besides furnishing an exceptional education, the Beloit WI program you choose should also provide the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for Wisconsin or the State where you will be working.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly want some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good sign that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design field and its graduates are in demand. It could also indicate that the college has a large network of Beloit WI business relationships where they can refer students to obtain internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Available? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Beloit WI schools you are evaluating and find out what type of support they offer. Many of interior design programs offer financial aid to their new students. Some colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited school is imperative for qualification in most cases. In some cases a school that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Big are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you may receive little individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Beloit WI colleges you are looking at what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Beloit home, visit the campus and sit in on a couple of classes. While there talk with a few 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 Fit your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior designer college you select offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly significant if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Beloit WI, confirm that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.