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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Schools

Now that you have decided on the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can start the task of reviewing your college options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the college must be within driving distance from your East Florence AL home. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will decrease your options as well. But selecting the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to home are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other things that you need to consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a list of questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are considering to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you compare and ultimately select the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's important to verify that the interior design program and school that you choose has earned accreditation from either a regional or national organization. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding assessment of their teachers and programs. Just verify that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. 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 assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of East Florence Alabama employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the Program Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, 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) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States requiring licensing, 2 or more years of occupational experience may be required also. So besides providing an excellent education, the East Florence AL college you choose should also provide the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for Alabama or the State where you will be employed.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly want 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 higher rate is an excellent sign that the school and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design trade and its students are in demand. It could also indicate that the school has a large network of East Florence AL business connections where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Provided? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the East Florence AL schools you are evaluating and find out what type of assistance they provide. Many of interior design programs offer financial aid to their incoming students. Certain colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance 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. Often a program that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Small 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. Ask the East Florence AL schools you are considering what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your East Florence home, visit the school and attend a couple of classes. While there speak with some students and ask 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 Accommodate your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design school you select provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near East Florence AL, confirm that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, check that is an alternative also. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.