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Topics to Ask Interior Design Schools

Once 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, especially if the campus must be within driving distance from your Phoenix AZ home. Naturally if you are interested in attending a school online, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will decrease your choices also. But selecting the cheapest college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other things that you should look at as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the college. Below are a few concerns that you may want to ask the schools you are looking at to get those answers in addition to others to help you examine and ultimately choose the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the interior design program and school that you select has earned accreditation from either a national or regional organization. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding assessment of their programs and teachers. Just verify that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are excellent, it might also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Phoenix Arizona employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.

Does the College Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, 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 as well as a degree from an accredited program. And in some of those States mandating licensing, 2 or more years of professional experience may be required also. So in addition to providing an excellent education, the Phoenix AZ program you select should also furnish the proper education to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum licensing requirements for Arizona or the State where you will be employed.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and received your interior design certification, you will no doubt want some support in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the college and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design trade and its students are sought after. It might also indicate that the school has a large network of Phoenix AZ business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Offered? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Phoenix AZ colleges you are evaluating and ask what type of assistance they offer. Many of interior designer colleges offer financial aid to their incoming students. Various colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide support in acquiring grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a school that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Large are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Phoenix AZ schools you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Phoenix home, go to the school and attend a couple of classes. While there talk with a few 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 Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior designer program you choose provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Phoenix AZ, confirm that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, verify that is an alternative as well. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.