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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Schools

Now that you have selected the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of reviewing your college options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the school needs to be within driving distance from your Catalina Foothills AZ residence. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will narrow down your choices also. But selecting the most affordable school or the one that is closest to home are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you need to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a list of questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are reviewing to obtain those answers in addition to others in order to help you assess and subsequently choose the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's essential to confirm that the interior designer program and college that you enroll in has earned accreditation from 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). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive evaluation 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 agency. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are outstanding, it may also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Catalina Foothills Arizona employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.

Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States requiring licensing, two or more years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore in addition to furnishing an outstanding education, the Catalina Foothills AZ program you select should also provide the suitable training to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Arizona or the State where you will be employed.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are considering if they have a job placement program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good indication that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design trade and its graduates are sought after. It may also signify that the college has a substantial network of Catalina Foothills AZ business relationships where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Contact the financial aid departments for the Catalina Foothills AZ colleges you are reviewing and ask what kind of aid they provide. Many of interior designer colleges offer financial aid to their incoming students. Some colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide help in obtaining federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Big are the Classes? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive little individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Catalina Foothills AZ colleges you are looking at what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Catalina Foothills home, visit the school and attend a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior design school you choose provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Catalina Foothills AZ, verify that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.