Interior Design Schools Interior Design Colleges Interior Design Programs Interior Design Classes
Interior Design Courses Interior Design Courses Online Interior Design Schools Online Interior Design Degrees
Interior Design Degrees Online

Topics to Ask Interior Designer Programs

Once you have chosen the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the process of evaluating your school options. Location will be an important factor, particularly if the campus must be within commuting distance from your Juneau AK home. Obviously if you have decided on attending a school online, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will narrow down your options as well. But selecting the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to home are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you should consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are considering to get those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and subsequently pick the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior design program and college that you enroll in has been accredited by either a regional or national agency. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive evaluation 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 establish that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are exceptional, it might also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Juneau Alaska employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.

Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, 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 in addition to a degree from an accredited school. And in some of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of occupational experience may be required also. So aside from furnishing an excellent education, the Juneau AK college you select should also provide the appropriate education to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum licensing requirements for Alaska or the State where you will be working.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It may also indicate that the college has a sizable network of Juneau AK business relationships where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Offered? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Juneau AK colleges you are evaluating and find out what kind of aid they offer. Many of interior design programs provide financial aid to their new students. Some schools offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in obtaining federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Large are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive little individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Juneau AK schools you are considering what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Juneau home, go to the school and sit in on a few 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 credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior design school you choose 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 attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Juneau AK, confirm that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, verify that is an alternative also. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.