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Questions to Ask Interior Design Programs

When you have selected the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of reviewing your college options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the school has to be within driving distance from your La Mirada CA residence. Naturally if you have decided on attending a school online, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will limit your options also. But selecting the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to your house are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you should look at also, including the accreditation and reputation of the college. Following are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the colleges you are looking at to get those answers in addition to others to help you compare and subsequently pick the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's necessary to confirm that the interior designer program and college 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 rigorous evaluation of their programs and instructors. 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 confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are exceptional, it might also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, many La Mirada California employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.

Does the Program 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 as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in some of those States mandating licensing, a minimum of 2 years of professional experience may be required also. So besides providing an outstanding education, the La Mirada CA program you select should also provide the suitable training to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum licensing requirements for California or the State where you will be working.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior design certification, you will probably need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good sign that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design trade and its graduates are sought after. It may also signify that the school has a significant network of La Mirada CA business relationships where they can place students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Available? Contact the financial assistance departments for the La Mirada CA schools you are evaluating and find out what type of assistance they provide. A number of interior designer schools provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Some colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide help in securing federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the La Mirada CA schools you are considering what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your La Mirada home, go to the campus and attend a few classes. While there speak with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Finally, confirm that the interior design school you choose provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near La Mirada CA, confirm that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an alternative as well. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.