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Interior Design Degrees Online

Questions to Ask Interior Design Schools

Now that you have chosen the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of evaluating your college options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the school must be within commuting distance from your Flagstaff AZ residence. Obviously if you have decided on attending a school online, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will narrow down your choices also. But choosing the least expensive 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 should consider also, including the accreditation and reputation of the college. Following are a few concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others to help you compare and subsequently pick the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's imperative to make sure that the interior design program and school that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a national or regional organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding evaluation of their programs and teachers. Just make sure that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are excellent, it might also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Flagstaff Arizona employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the Program Ready 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 school. And in some of those States requiring licensing, 2 or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. So aside from furnishing an outstanding education, the Flagstaff AZ program you choose should also furnish the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and comply with the minimum requirements for licensing for Arizona or the State where you will be employed.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and attained your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some support in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design field and its students are sought after. It could also indicate that the school has a significant network of Flagstaff AZ business contacts where they can refer students to obtain internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Flagstaff AZ colleges you are reviewing and ask what type of support they provide. A number of interior designer colleges provide financial aid to their new students. Some colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide support in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Flagstaff AZ colleges you are looking at what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Flagstaff home, go to the school and monitor a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Finally, confirm that the interior design college you choose provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Flagstaff AZ, make sure that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, check that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.