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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Colleges
Now that you have decided on the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can start the process of analyzing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the campus needs to be within driving distance from your Oshkosh WI home. Naturally if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will limit your choices as well. But choosing the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you should look at also, including the accreditation and reputation of the college. Following are a few questions that you may want to address with the schools you are looking at to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you examine and ultimately select the right degree program.
Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior designer program and college that you choose has earned accreditation from either a regional or national agency. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding assessment of their programs and teachers. 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 confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are outstanding, it may also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Oshkosh WI employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.
Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States mandating licensing, 2 or more years of work experience may be required also. So aside from providing an outstanding education, the Oshkosh WI college you choose should also provide the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination 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 attained your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly need some support in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good indication that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design trade and its graduates are in demand. It could also indicate that the school has a large network of Oshkosh WI business connections where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after graduation.
Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Oshkosh WI schools you are reviewing and ask what type of aid they provide. A number of interior design schools provide financial assistance to their new students. Certain colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide assistance in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Small 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 Oshkosh WI programs you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Oshkosh home, go to the college and monitor a couple of classes. While there speak with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior design school you select offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Oshkosh WI, make certain that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.