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Questions to Ask Interior Design Colleges
After you have chosen the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of assessing your college options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the school needs to be within commuting distance from your Marshfield WI home. Naturally if you have decided on attending a school online, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will narrow down your choices also. But choosing the least expensive college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you should consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a list of questions that you may want to address with the colleges you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and ultimately choose the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's important to confirm that the interior designer college and program that you select has been accredited by either a national or regional agency. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding evaluation 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 verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are excellent, it might also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Marshfield WI employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.
Does the College Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, 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) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of work experience may be required as well. So aside from furnishing an exceptional education, the Marshfield WI college you enroll in should also provide the proper education to pass the NCIDQ exam and comply with the minimum requirements for licensing for Wisconsin or the State where you will be employed.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will probably need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good indication that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design field and its students are sought after. It might also signify that the school has a sizable network of Marshfield WI business connections where they can place students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.
Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial aid offices for the Marshfield WI colleges you are reviewing and ask what kind of aid they provide. Many of interior designer programs provide financial assistance to their new students. Various colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide support in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that choosing an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Marshfield WI schools you are looking at what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Marshfield home, go to the campus and sit in on a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with a few students and ask 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? Finally, confirm that the interior designer program you choose offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Marshfield WI, confirm that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, verify that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.