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Topics to Ask Interior Designer Schools

Once you have decided on the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the process of analyzing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the campus needs to be within driving distance from your Florence AL residence. Naturally if you have decided on attending a school online, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will decrease your choices as well. But selecting the most affordable school or the one that is closest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other factors that you need to look at also, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a few questions that you may want to address with the colleges you are considering to get those answers as well as others to help you compare and subsequently choose the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's imperative to verify that the interior designer school and program that you select has been accredited by either a regional or national 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 a demanding assessment of their teachers and programs. Just confirm 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 confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are excellent, it may also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, many Florence Alabama employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the Program Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, 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 as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in several of those States requiring licensing, a minimum of 2 years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore in addition to furnishing an outstanding education, the Florence AL college you select should also provide the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum requirements for licensing 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 design certification, you will no doubt want some support in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the college and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It could also signify that the college has a substantial network of Florence AL business relationships where they can place students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Provided? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Florence AL schools you are evaluating and find out what type of support they provide. Many of interior design schools provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Various colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide support in acquiring grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Large are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Florence AL colleges you are reviewing what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Florence home, visit the campus and monitor a few classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some 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, make certain that the interior design college you enroll in provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Florence AL, confirm that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, verify that is an alternative also. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.