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Topics to Ask Interior Design Colleges
Now that you have decided on the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can start the process of analyzing your college options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the campus has to be within commuting distance from your Howard WI residence. Obviously if you are interested in attending an online school, or are able to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will decrease your options also. But picking the most affordable college or the one that is closest to your house are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other things that you need to look at as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the program. Below are a few questions that you may want to address with the programs you are looking at to obtain those answers as well as others to help you examine and ultimately choose the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's important to confirm that the interior designer program and school that you select has been accredited by either a national or regional organization. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive assessment of their instructors and programs. Just verify that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are outstanding, it might also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Howard WI employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.
Does the Program Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do require that interior designers get 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 college. And in several of those States calling for licensing, 2 or more years of work experience may be required as well. Therefore besides providing an exceptional education, the Howard WI program you select should also furnish the proper training to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with the minimum licensing requirements for Wisconsin or the State where you will be working.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and obtained your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly need some help in finding your first position. Ask the colleges 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 indication that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design field and its graduates are in demand. It may also signify that the college has a large network of Howard WI business contacts where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Howard WI schools you are reviewing and ask what kind of support they offer. A number of interior designer programs offer financial aid to their incoming students. Some schools provide partial scholarships and others provide support in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Small are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you may receive little individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Howard WI schools you are reviewing what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Howard home, visit the school and sit in on a few classes. While there speak with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior designer school you select provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Howard WI, verify that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, verify that is an option also. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.