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Questions to Ask Interior Design Colleges
Once you have selected the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can start the process of assessing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the school must be within driving distance from your Caledonia WI home. Naturally if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will limit your choices as well. But picking the most affordable school or the one that is closest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you should consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a list of questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are reviewing to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you assess and subsequently choose the right degree program.
Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the interior design college and program that you enroll in has earned accreditation from 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 an extensive assessment of their programs and teachers. Just verify that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are excellent, it may also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, many Caledonia WI employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.
Does the College Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of occupational experience may be required also. Therefore besides furnishing an outstanding education, the Caledonia WI school you select should also furnish the suitable training to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for Wisconsin or the State where you will be employed.
What is the College'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 colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design field and its students are sought after. It could also signify that the college has a sizable network of Caledonia WI business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Aid Provided? Get in touch with the financial assistance offices for the Caledonia WI colleges you are looking at and find out what type of assistance they offer. Many of interior designer schools provide financial aid to their new students. Some colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide support in acquiring grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited college is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Big are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Caledonia WI schools you are considering what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Caledonia home, visit the school and sit in on a few classes. While there talk with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make sure that the interior designer school you enroll in offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Caledonia WI, make certain that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, check that is an alternative as well. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.