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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Programs

Once you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of evaluating your college options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the school needs to be within commuting distance from your Escondido CA home. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will narrow down your options as well. But picking the least expensive college or the one that is closest to your house are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you should look at as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a few concerns that you may want to address with the schools you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others to help you examine and subsequently choose the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the interior designer college and program that you choose has been accredited by either a national or regional agency. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment of their instructors and programs. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are outstanding, it may also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Escondido California employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.

Does the College Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited school. And in some of those States mandating licensing, at least 2 years of work experience may be required as well. Therefore besides furnishing an exceptional education, the Escondido CA college you enroll in should also provide the appropriate instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum licensing requirements for California or the State where you will be working.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly want some support in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good sign that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design trade and its students are in demand. It could also signify that the college has a sizable network of Escondido CA business connections where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Assistance Offered? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Escondido CA colleges you are reviewing and find out what kind of assistance they provide. Many of interior design colleges offer financial assistance to their new students. Various schools provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in acquiring grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a school that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Large are the Classes? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Escondido CA schools you are looking at what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Escondido home, go to the campus and attend a few classes. While there speak 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 Offered that Fit your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior designer college you choose provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly significant if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Escondido CA, verify that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an option as well. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.