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 Design Colleges

Now that you have selected the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the task of reviewing your college options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the school must be within commuting distance from your Sierra Vista AZ home. Naturally if you have decided on attending an online school, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will limit your options as well. But choosing the cheapest school or the one that is closest to your house are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other factors that you should look at as well, such as the accreditation and reputation of the program. Below are a list of questions that you may want to ask the programs you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and ultimately pick the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior designer school and program 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). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding assessment of their programs and instructors. 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 verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are exceptional, it might also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Sierra Vista Arizona employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.

Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States calling for licensing, a minimum of 2 years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore besides providing an outstanding education, the Sierra Vista AZ program you select should also furnish the appropriate education to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum requirements for licensing for Arizona or the State where you will be employed.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly need some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good indication that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design field and its students are in demand. It could also indicate that the school has a large network of Sierra Vista AZ business relationships where they can place students to obtain internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Sierra Vista AZ colleges you are reviewing and find out what kind of support they provide. Many of interior design colleges provide financial aid to their incoming students. Some schools provide partial scholarships while others provide help in acquiring grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a school that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Large are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Sierra Vista AZ colleges you are looking at what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Sierra Vista home, go to the college and attend a few 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 backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior designer college you enroll in offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Sierra Vista AZ, make sure that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.