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Topics to Ask Interior Designer Schools
Now that you have selected the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of reviewing your college options. Location will be an important factor, particularly if the school must be within driving distance from your Oak Creek WI residence. Naturally if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will narrow down your choices as well. But selecting the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to home are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other things that you need to consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the college. Following are a list of concerns that you may want to ask the colleges you are considering to get those answers in addition to others to help you compare and subsequently pick the right degree program.
Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the interior designer college and program that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a regional or national 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 undergone an extensive assessment of their programs and instructors. Just make sure 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 school and the quality of the education are excellent, it may also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, many Oak Creek WI employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.
Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of 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 college. And in several of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. So besides providing an excellent education, the Oak Creek WI college you choose should also furnish the proper education to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for Wisconsin or the State where you will be employed.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and earned your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are looking at 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 school and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design field and its students are sought after. It might also indicate that the school has a sizable network of Oak Creek WI business relationships where they can refer students to obtain internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Oak Creek WI schools you are evaluating and find out what kind of aid they provide. Many of interior design colleges provide financial assistance to their new students. Some schools provide partial scholarships and others provide help in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Large are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Oak Creek WI schools you are reviewing what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Oak Creek home, visit the college and attend a few classes. While there 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 Offered that Fit your Schedule? Finally, confirm that the interior design program you select provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Oak Creek WI, verify that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, verify that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.