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

What to Ask Interior Designer Colleges

Now that you have chosen the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the school needs to be within driving distance from your Hawthorne CA residence. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will limit your choices also. But selecting the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you should look at also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the college. Following are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are looking at to get those answers as well as others to help you assess and subsequently pick the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's essential to confirm that the interior design program and college that you enroll in has earned accreditation from 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). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive evaluation of their programs and teachers. Just confirm that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are outstanding, it might also help when requesting financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Hawthorne California employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.

Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do mandate that interior designers get 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 program. And in several of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of professional experience may be required also. So besides providing an outstanding education, the Hawthorne CA program you choose should also provide the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for California or the State where you will be employed.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will no doubt want some support in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design profession and its graduates are sought after. It may also indicate that the school has a large network of Hawthorne CA business relationships where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Offered? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Hawthorne CA schools you are looking at and find out what kind of support they offer. Many of interior designer colleges offer financial assistance to their new students. Some colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in acquiring grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Hawthorne CA programs you are looking at what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Hawthorne home, visit the campus and monitor a few classes. While there speak with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, confirm that the interior designer program you enroll in provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Hawthorne CA, verify that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, check that is an option also. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.