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What to Ask Interior Design Programs
When you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of assessing your college options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the college must be within commuting distance from your Kenosha WI residence. Obviously if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will limit your options as well. But choosing the cheapest school or the one that is nearest to your house are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you need to consider as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the school. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the colleges you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you assess and ultimately pick the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the interior design program and school that you enroll in 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). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding evaluation of their programs and instructors. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are exceptional, it might also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Kenosha WI employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.
Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do mandate 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 program. And in several of those States requiring licensing, two or more years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore aside from furnishing an exceptional education, the Kenosha WI college you select should also provide the appropriate education to pass the NCIDQ exam 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? Once you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly want some support in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design trade and its students are sought after. It could also signify that the school has a sizable network of Kenosha WI business relationships where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Kenosha WI schools you are evaluating and ask what type of assistance they offer. Many of interior designer programs provide financial aid to their incoming students. Various colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide help in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Large are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Kenosha WI colleges you are looking at what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Kenosha home, visit the school and attend a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design program you select offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Kenosha WI, make sure that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, verify that is an alternative as well. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.