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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 begin the task of analyzing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the campus must be within commuting distance from your Wauwatosa WI home. Obviously if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will decrease your options also. But choosing the most affordable school or the one that is closest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you should look at also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the program. Below are a few concerns that you may want to address with the schools you are considering to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you compare and ultimately choose the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior design school and program that you enroll in has been accredited by 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). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive assessment of their programs and instructors. Just confirm that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are excellent, it might also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Wauwatosa WI employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.
Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States requiring licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required also. So in addition to providing an outstanding education, the Wauwatosa WI college you enroll in should also furnish the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and meet 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 earned your interior design certification, you will no doubt need some support in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are looking at if they have a job placement program. If yes, find out 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 trade and its students are in demand. It may also signify that the school has a significant network of Wauwatosa WI business relationships where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Contact the financial aid departments for the Wauwatosa WI schools you are reviewing and find out what kind of aid they offer. Many of interior design programs provide financial assistance to their new students. Some schools offer partial scholarships and others provide help in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited college 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 offer more generous financial assistance.
How Small are the Classes? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Wauwatosa WI schools you are reviewing what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Wauwatosa home, go to the campus and attend a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk 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 Offered that Fit your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior design program you select offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Wauwatosa WI, confirm that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, confirm that is an option also. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.