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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Colleges
Once you have chosen the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of analyzing your college options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the campus must be within commuting distance from your Stoughton WI home. Naturally if you have decided on attending a school online, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will narrow down your options as well. But selecting the least expensive college or the one that is closest to home are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you need to look at as well, such as the accreditation and reputation of the program. Below are a list of questions that you may want to ask the programs you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others to help you compare and ultimately choose the right degree program.
Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's essential to confirm that the interior design school and program that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a national or regional 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 undergone a demanding evaluation of their instructors and programs. Just make sure 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 school and the quality of the education are excellent, it might also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Stoughton WI employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.
Does the College Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited program. And in some of those States mandating licensing, 2 or more years of professional experience may be required as well. So besides furnishing an exceptional education, the Stoughton WI school you enroll in should also provide the proper education to pass the NCIDQ exam and comply with the minimum requirements for licensing for Wisconsin or the State where you will be employed.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and attained your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly want some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design profession and its graduates are sought after. It may also indicate that the school has a sizable network of Stoughton WI business connections where they can place students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Provided? Contact the financial aid departments for the Stoughton WI schools you are reviewing and find out what type of aid they provide. A number of interior design schools provide financial aid to their new students. Certain colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide assistance in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited college is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.
How Large are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Stoughton WI colleges you are looking at what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Stoughton home, go to the campus and monitor a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some 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 Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, confirm that the interior designer school you enroll in provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Stoughton WI, confirm that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, verify that is an alternative also. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.