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What to Ask Interior Designer Schools
Now that you have selected 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, especially if the school must be within driving distance from your Whitewater WI home. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will decrease your choices as well. But picking the least expensive school or the one that is closest to home are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you should consider also, including the accreditation and reputation of the program. Below are a few concerns that you may want to ask the schools you are looking at to get those answers in addition to others to help you assess and subsequently pick the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's essential to confirm that the interior designer program and college that you choose has earned accreditation from either a regional or national agency. 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 an extensive assessment of their programs and instructors. Just verify 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 training are excellent, it might also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, many Whitewater WI employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.
Does the Program Prepare 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 as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in some of those States calling for licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. Therefore aside from providing an excellent education, the Whitewater WI college you choose should also furnish the proper education to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum requirements for licensing for Wisconsin or the State where you will be working.
What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and received your interior design certification, you will no doubt want some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It may also indicate that the college has a substantial network of Whitewater WI business relationships where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Contact the financial aid offices for the Whitewater WI colleges you are reviewing and ask what kind of aid they offer. A number of interior designer colleges provide financial aid to their new students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships and others provide assistance in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Big are the Classes? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Whitewater WI colleges you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Whitewater home, go to the school and monitor a few 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 Fit your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior design school you choose provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Whitewater 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, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.