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What to Ask Interior Designer Schools

After you have chosen the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of evaluating your college options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the college has to be within driving distance from your Scottsdale AZ residence. Obviously if you have decided on attending a school online, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will limit your choices as well. But picking the cheapest school or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you should look at as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the program. Following are a few concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are reviewing to obtain those answers as well as others to help you assess and ultimately choose the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's important to confirm that the interior designer program and college that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a regional or national organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive assessment of their programs and teachers. Just confirm 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 confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are outstanding, it might also help when securing financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, many Scottsdale Arizona employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do require 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 school. And in some of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of professional experience may be required also. So in addition to providing an exceptional education, the Scottsdale AZ school you choose should also provide the proper training to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum requirements for licensing for Arizona or the State where you will be working.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and obtained your interior design certification, you will probably want some support in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job placement program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design trade and its graduates are sought after. It might also signify that the school has a significant network of Scottsdale AZ business connections where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial aid offices for the Scottsdale AZ schools you are evaluating and find out what kind of support they provide. Many of interior design programs offer financial assistance to their new students. Some schools offer partial scholarships and others provide assistance in securing grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Scottsdale AZ programs you are reviewing what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Scottsdale home, visit the campus and monitor a couple of classes. While there speak with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Finally, confirm that the interior design program you enroll in provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Scottsdale AZ, confirm that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, check that is an alternative also. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.