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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Programs
When you have decided on the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of evaluating your college options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the school has to be within commuting distance from your Wisconsin Rapids WI residence. Naturally if you have decided on attending an online school, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will narrow down your choices also. But choosing the most affordable college or the one that is closest to home are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you need to look at also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the program. Below are a few questions that you may want to address with the programs you are looking at to get those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and ultimately select the ideal degree program.
Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the interior designer college and program that you choose has earned accreditation from 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 earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive evaluation 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 recognized accrediting agency. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are outstanding, it may also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Wisconsin Rapids WI employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.
Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do require 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 program. And in some of those States mandating licensing, 2 or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. Therefore in addition to providing an outstanding education, the Wisconsin Rapids WI program you select should also furnish the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ examination and meet the minimum requirements for licensing for Wisconsin or the State where you will be working.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will no doubt want some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design field and its students are sought after. It might also signify that the school has a sizable network of Wisconsin Rapids WI business relationships where they can refer students to obtain internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Aid Available? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Wisconsin Rapids WI colleges you are reviewing and find out what type of support they offer. Many of interior designer programs offer financial aid to their new students. Various schools offer partial scholarships and others provide support in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Big are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive little individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Wisconsin Rapids WI programs you are considering what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Wisconsin Rapids home, visit the college and attend a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.
Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior design program you enroll in offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Wisconsin Rapids WI, verify that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, confirm that is an option also. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.