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Subjects to Ask Interior Design Schools
When you have selected the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of evaluating your school options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the campus needs to be within driving distance from your Chippewa Falls WI home. Obviously if you have decided on attending an online school, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will narrow down your choices as well. But selecting the cheapest college or the one that is closest to home are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you need to look at also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the school. Following are a few concerns that you may want to address with the schools you are considering to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you compare and subsequently choose the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior design school and program that you select has earned accreditation from either a regional or national organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone 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 acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are excellent, it might also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Chippewa Falls WI employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.
Does the College Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited program. And in several of those States calling for licensing, at least 2 years of occupational experience may be required as well. So aside from providing an excellent education, the Chippewa Falls WI program you select should also provide the appropriate education to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with the minimum requirements for licensing for Wisconsin or the State where you will be employed.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will probably want some help in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It could also signify that the college has a substantial network of Chippewa Falls WI business relationships where they can refer students to obtain internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Chippewa Falls WI colleges you are reviewing and find out what type of assistance they offer. A number of interior designer programs provide financial aid to their incoming students. Various colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in obtaining grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Chippewa Falls WI schools you are considering what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Chippewa Falls home, go to the campus and monitor a couple of classes. While there talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior design program you select provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Chippewa Falls WI, make sure that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, verify that is an alternative as well. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.