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Topics to Ask Interior Design Programs

Once you have chosen the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of analyzing your school options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the school has to be within driving distance from your Brentwood CA home. Naturally if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will limit your options also. But selecting the least expensive school or the one that is closest to your house are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other factors that you need to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a few questions that you may want to address with the colleges you are considering to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you assess and ultimately choose the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's important to confirm that the interior design program and school that you enroll in has been accredited by either a regional or national agency. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding assessment of their programs and teachers. Just make sure that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged 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 obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Brentwood California employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.

Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do mandate that interior designers get 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 school. And in some of those States mandating licensing, at least 2 years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore aside from furnishing an exceptional education, the Brentwood CA college you enroll in should also provide the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum licensing requirements for California or the State where you will be employed.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will probably need some help in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are reviewing if they have a job placement 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 held in high esteem within the interior design trade and its students are in demand. It could also signify that the college has a substantial network of Brentwood CA business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Brentwood CA schools you are looking at and find out what type of assistance they offer. A number of interior designer programs provide financial aid to their new students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Large are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Brentwood CA schools you are looking at what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Brentwood home, go to the campus and attend a couple of classes. While there speak 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 Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior design program you choose provides classes the fit your active 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 Brentwood CA, make sure that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.