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Topics to Ask Interior Design Schools
Once you have selected the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of reviewing your college options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the campus needs to be within driving distance from your Laramie WY home. Naturally if you are interested in attending a school online, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will decrease your options as well. But picking the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you should consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Following are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the colleges you are looking at to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and subsequently pick the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior design program and college that you select 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). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding assessment of their instructors and programs. Just verify 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 confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are exceptional, it may also help when securing financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Laramie WY employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.
Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do mandate that interior designers get 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 college. And in several of those States calling for licensing, a minimum of 2 years of work experience may be required also. Therefore in addition to furnishing an outstanding education, the Laramie WY program you select should also furnish the proper education to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum licensing requirements for Wyoming or the State where you will be employed.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and received your interior design certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If so, 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 profession and its students are sought after. It could also indicate that the college has a sizable network of Laramie WY business connections where they can place students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Get in touch with the financial aid departments for the Laramie WY schools you are reviewing and find out what type of aid they offer. A number of interior design programs offer financial assistance to their new students. Some schools provide partial scholarships and others provide help in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited program is imperative for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Large are the Classes? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Laramie WY colleges you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Laramie home, go to the school and sit in on a couple of 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 backgrounds are in interior design.
Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior design school you select provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Laramie WY, make sure that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, confirm that is an alternative also. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.