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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Colleges
Once you have chosen the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of reviewing your college options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the college has to be within driving distance from your Pewaukee WI residence. Obviously if you are interested in attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will narrow down your choices as well. But picking the cheapest school or the one that is nearest to home are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you should look at as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a list of questions that you may want to ask the programs you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others to help you compare and subsequently choose the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior designer program and school that you select has been accredited by either a national or regional organization. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous assessment of their teachers and programs. Just verify that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are exceptional, it may also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, many Pewaukee WI employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.
Does the College Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited program. And in several of those States calling for licensing, 2 or more years of work experience may be required also. So aside from furnishing an excellent education, the Pewaukee WI program you choose should also furnish the suitable training to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum licensing requirements for Wisconsin or the State where you will be employed.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and attained your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design trade and its graduates are sought after. It may also signify that the school has a large network of Pewaukee WI business contacts where they can place students to obtain internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Provided? Get in touch with the financial aid departments for the Pewaukee WI colleges you are looking at and find out what kind of support they offer. A number of interior design schools provide financial aid to their incoming students. Various schools offer partial scholarships and others provide help in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Pewaukee WI schools you are looking at what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Pewaukee home, go to the college and sit in on a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design college you enroll in provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Pewaukee WI, verify that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.