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Questions to Ask Interior Design Schools

After you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of reviewing your school options. Location will be an important factor, particularly if the school needs to be within driving distance from your Burbank CA residence. Naturally if you are interested in attending an online school, or are able to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will narrow down your options also. But choosing the cheapest school or the one that is nearest to your house are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you need to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a list of questions that you may want to address with the schools you are looking at to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you assess and ultimately select the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior designer school and program that you select has earned accreditation from either a regional or national organization. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive evaluation of their teachers and programs. Just verify 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 confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are excellent, it might also help when requesting financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, many Burbank California employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do require that interior designers become 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 calling for licensing, at least 2 years of work experience may be required as well. Therefore in addition to furnishing an outstanding education, the Burbank CA program you select should also furnish the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with 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 received your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly want some help in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good indication that the school and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design profession and its graduates are sought after. It may also signify that the school has a significant network of Burbank CA business relationships where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Available? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Burbank CA schools you are reviewing and find out what type of assistance they provide. Many of interior designer schools provide financial aid to their incoming students. Various schools provide partial scholarships and others provide assistance in obtaining federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Small are the Classes? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Burbank CA programs you are considering what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Burbank home, go to the campus and monitor a couple of classes. While there talk with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior designer program you select provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Burbank CA, make sure that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.