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Topics to Ask Interior Design Programs
After you have chosen the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of analyzing your school options. Location will be an important factor, particularly if the school has to be within commuting distance from your Fort Atkinson WI home. Naturally if you have decided on attending an online school, or are able to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will narrow down your choices as well. But selecting the cheapest college or the one that is nearest to your house are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other things that you need to look at as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Following are a few concerns that you may want to ask the colleges you are considering to get those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and subsequently select the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's necessary to confirm that the interior designer program and school that you choose has been accredited by either a national or regional agency. 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 gone through a demanding assessment of their teachers and programs. Just make sure 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 verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are exceptional, it may also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Fort Atkinson WI employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.
Does the College Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States mandating licensing, 2 or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. So besides providing an outstanding education, the Fort Atkinson WI school you choose should also furnish the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam 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 obtained your interior designer certification, you will probably need some support in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good indication that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design profession and its graduates are in demand. It might also indicate that the school has a significant network of Fort Atkinson WI business connections where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Assistance Provided? Contact the financial aid departments for the Fort Atkinson WI colleges you are evaluating and ask what type of aid they offer. Many of interior design colleges offer financial aid to their incoming students. Some schools offer partial scholarships and others provide assistance in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that choosing an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Fort Atkinson WI programs you are considering what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Fort Atkinson home, visit the college and monitor a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior designer college you select offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Fort Atkinson WI, make sure that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, check that is an alternative also. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.