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What to Ask Interior Designer Programs

After you have selected the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the task of analyzing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the campus must be within driving distance from your Tucson AZ home. Naturally if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will decrease your options also. But choosing the least expensive college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you need to consider as well, such as the accreditation and reputation of the college. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask the schools you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and ultimately choose the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior design program and college that you enroll in has been accredited by either a regional or national agency. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous assessment of their instructors and programs. Just confirm 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 verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are excellent, it may also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Tucson Arizona employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.

Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited college. And in several of those States calling for licensing, at least 2 years of work experience may be required also. Therefore in addition to furnishing an exceptional education, the Tucson AZ program you choose should also furnish the proper training to pass the NCIDQ examination and meet the minimum requirements for licensing for Arizona or the State where you will be working.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will probably want some help in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent indication that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design profession and its graduates are sought after. It could also signify that the college has a large network of Tucson AZ business connections where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Available? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Tucson AZ colleges you are reviewing and find out what kind of aid they offer. Many of interior designer programs offer financial assistance to their new students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships while others provide support in acquiring grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a program that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Large are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Tucson AZ colleges you are considering what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Tucson home, go to the school and sit in on a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior designer college you enroll in offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Tucson AZ, make certain that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, confirm that is an option also. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.