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Topics to Ask Interior Design Colleges
Now that you have selected the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of evaluating your college options. Location will be an important factor, particularly if the school must be within driving distance from your Fitchburg WI home. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will limit your choices as well. But picking the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to home are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other factors that you need to look at also, including the accreditation and reputation of the program. Following are a list of questions that you may want to address with the schools you are considering to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you examine and subsequently choose the right degree program.
Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior designer college and program that you enroll in has been accredited by either a national or regional agency. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment of their teachers and programs. 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 establish that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are outstanding, it may also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, many Fitchburg WI employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.
Does the College Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do mandate that interior designers become 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 school. And in some of those States requiring licensing, 2 or more years of occupational experience may be required also. Therefore in addition to providing an exceptional education, the Fitchburg WI school you enroll in should also furnish the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and meet the minimum requirements for licensing for Wisconsin or the State where you will be working.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are looking at if they have a job placement program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design profession and its graduates are in demand. It may also signify that the college has a large network of Fitchburg WI business relationships where they can refer students to obtain internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial aid departments for the Fitchburg WI colleges you are looking at and ask what kind of aid they offer. Many of interior designer programs offer financial aid to their new students. Certain colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in acquiring grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial assistance.
How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you may receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Fitchburg WI programs you are reviewing what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Fitchburg home, visit the campus and monitor a few classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior designer program you enroll in offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Fitchburg WI, make sure that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an option also. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.