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Subjects to Ask Interior Design Programs
When you have chosen the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of reviewing your college options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the college needs to be within commuting distance from your Oconomowoc WI residence. Naturally if you have decided on attending an online school, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will limit your options as well. But picking the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other factors that you should consider as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the school. Below are a list of questions that you may want to address with the colleges you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others to help you compare and ultimately pick the right degree program.
Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior design college 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 obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous assessment of their instructors and programs. Just verify 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 establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are excellent, it may also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Oconomowoc WI employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.
Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States calling for licensing, a minimum of 2 years of occupational experience may be required as well. So in addition to furnishing an excellent education, the Oconomowoc WI school you enroll in should also furnish the appropriate instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and meet 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 designer certification, you will undoubtedly want some help in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design field and its graduates are sought after. It might also indicate that the college has a sizable network of Oconomowoc WI business relationships where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Provided? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Oconomowoc WI schools you are looking at and ask what kind of support they offer. Many of interior designer schools offer financial aid to their new students. Various colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide support in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Large are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive little individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Oconomowoc WI programs you are reviewing what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Oconomowoc home, visit the college and attend a few classes. While there talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior design college you enroll in offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Oconomowoc WI, confirm that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, check that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.