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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Schools
Now that you have selected the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of analyzing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the school needs to be within driving distance from your Greendale WI residence. Obviously if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will decrease your options also. But selecting the most affordable college or the one that is nearest to your house are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you should consider as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the college. Following are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the colleges you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others to help you compare and ultimately choose the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's essential to confirm that the interior designer school and program that you enroll in has earned accreditation from 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 earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding evaluation of their instructors 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 agency. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are excellent, it may also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Greendale WI employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.
Does the College Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited program. And in some of those States calling for licensing, two or more years of professional experience may be required also. So besides providing an excellent education, the Greendale WI program you enroll in should also provide the appropriate 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 College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will probably need some support in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent sign that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design trade and its graduates are in demand. It might also indicate that the school has a sizable network of Greendale WI business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Get in touch with the financial aid departments for the Greendale WI colleges you are evaluating and ask what type of aid they offer. Many of interior designer colleges provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Certain colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide help in obtaining grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Greendale WI programs you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Greendale home, go to the campus and monitor a couple of classes. While there speak with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior designer school you enroll in offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Greendale WI, confirm that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, check that is an option also. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.