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Questions to Ask Interior Design Programs
When you have decided on the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of evaluating your college options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the college has to be within commuting distance from your De Pere WI home. Obviously if you are interested in attending a school online, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will limit your choices as well. But selecting the cheapest college or the one that is closest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other things that you need to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are considering to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you examine and subsequently select the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior designer school and program that you choose 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). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their programs and teachers. Just verify that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are exceptional, it might also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, many De Pere WI employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.
Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, 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 as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States calling for licensing, at least 2 years of occupational experience may be required also. So aside from furnishing an excellent education, the De Pere WI program you choose should also furnish 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 working.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly want some help in finding your first job. Ask the programs 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 students are sought after. It might also signify that the college has a substantial network of De Pere WI business connections where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Aid Available? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the De Pere WI colleges you are reviewing and find out what type of aid they provide. A number of interior designer schools provide financial assistance to their new students. Various colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide support in securing grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its competitors 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 little individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the De Pere WI programs you are reviewing what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your De Pere home, go to the campus and attend a couple of 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 backgrounds are in interior design.
Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior designer college you select provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near De Pere WI, make sure that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, verify that is an option also. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.