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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Programs
Now that you have chosen the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of analyzing your college options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the campus has to be within driving distance from your Cudahy WI home. 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 expense for tuition will limit your choices as well. But picking the cheapest school or the one that is nearest to home are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you should consider as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the school. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask the programs you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others to help you assess and ultimately select the right degree program.
Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior design program and college that you select has been accredited by either a national or regional organization. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous assessment of their instructors and programs. Just verify 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 establish 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 colleges. Also, many Cudahy WI employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.
Does the Program 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 as well as a degree from an accredited program. And in several of those States calling for licensing, at least 2 years of professional experience may be required as well. Therefore in addition to providing an outstanding education, the Cudahy WI school you choose should also furnish the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Wisconsin or the State where you will be working.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some help in finding your first job. 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 higher rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design field and its graduates are sought after. It might also indicate that the school has a large network of Cudahy WI business contacts where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial aid departments for the Cudahy WI colleges you are looking at and ask what type of aid they provide. A number of interior design colleges provide financial aid to their new students. Various colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in obtaining federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Small are the Classes? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Cudahy WI schools you are considering what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Cudahy home, go to the campus and monitor a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, confirm that the interior designer program you choose offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Cudahy WI, confirm that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, check that is an alternative as well. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.