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Interior Design Degrees Online

Subjects to Ask Interior Design Programs

Now that you have decided on the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can start the process of reviewing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the college must be within driving distance from your Lincoln CA residence. Naturally if you are interested in attending an online school, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will limit your choices also. But choosing the least expensive school or the one that is closest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you should look at as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the program. Following are a few concerns that you may want to address with the schools you are considering to get those answers as well as others to help you compare and subsequently pick the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the interior designer program and college that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a national or regional agency. 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 gone through a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and programs. Just confirm that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are outstanding, it may also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Lincoln California employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several 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 several of those States calling for licensing, a minimum of 2 years of occupational experience may be required also. So aside from furnishing an exceptional education, the Lincoln CA school you select should also provide the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ exam and comply with the minimum licensing requirements for California or the State where you will be working.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and obtained your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly want some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It might also signify that the college has a large network of Lincoln CA business relationships where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Get in touch with the financial aid departments for the Lincoln CA schools you are reviewing and find out what kind of aid they provide. Many of interior design schools provide financial aid to their new students. Various schools provide partial scholarships while others provide support in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Big are the Classes? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Lincoln CA colleges you are reviewing what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Lincoln home, visit the campus and sit in on a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior designer college you choose provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Lincoln CA, make certain that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, confirm that is an alternative also. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.