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Topics to Ask Interior Design Programs
After you have selected the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can start the process of evaluating your college options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the college has to be within commuting distance from your Neenah WI residence. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will narrow down your choices also. But picking the cheapest college or the one that is nearest to home are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you need to consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask the programs you are considering to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you examine and subsequently select the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's necessary to confirm that the interior designer school and program that you choose has been accredited by either a regional or national agency. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding 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 acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are outstanding, it might also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Neenah WI employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.
Does the Program Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in several of those States requiring licensing, two or more years of professional experience may be required as well. Therefore besides furnishing an exceptional education, the Neenah WI program you enroll in should also furnish the suitable education 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? Once you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some help in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design profession and its graduates are in demand. It may also indicate that the college has a substantial network of Neenah WI business connections where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Contact the financial aid offices for the Neenah WI colleges you are evaluating and find out what type of assistance they offer. Many of interior designer schools offer financial assistance to their incoming students. Some colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide support in acquiring federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.
How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Neenah WI schools you are looking at what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Neenah home, visit the school and monitor a couple of classes. While there talk with some 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 Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior designer college you choose offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Neenah WI, make sure that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, verify that is an option also. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.