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Interior Design Degrees Online

Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Schools

Now that you have decided on the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the task of analyzing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the college must be within driving distance from your Tuscaloosa AL residence. Naturally if you are interested in attending a school online, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will narrow down your choices as well. But choosing the least expensive college or the one that is nearest to your house are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you should look at as well, such as the accreditation and reputation of the program. Following are a list of concerns that you may want to ask the programs you are reviewing to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you examine and ultimately pick the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design 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 organization. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment of their programs and instructors. Just verify that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are excellent, it may also help when requesting financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, many Tuscaloosa Alabama employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the School Prep 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) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States calling for licensing, 2 or more years of occupational experience may be required also. Therefore in addition to providing an excellent education, the Tuscaloosa AL college you enroll in should also furnish the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Alabama or the State where you will be working.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior designer certification, you will probably want some help in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If so, 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 could also signify that the college has a significant network of Tuscaloosa AL business contacts where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Tuscaloosa AL colleges you are looking at and ask what type of support they offer. A number of interior design schools offer financial assistance to their new students. Some schools offer partial scholarships and others provide support in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Tuscaloosa AL schools you are looking at what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Tuscaloosa home, go to the school and attend a couple of classes. While there talk with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior designer school you select offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Tuscaloosa AL, verify that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, confirm that is an option also. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.