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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Programs

Once you have decided on the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of analyzing your college options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the college has to be within driving distance from your Long Beach CA residence. Obviously if you are interested in attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will narrow down your options as well. But choosing the cheapest school or the one that is nearest to your house are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other things that you should consider as well, such as the accreditation and reputation of the program. Below are a few concerns that you may want to ask the programs you are reviewing to obtain those answers in addition to others in order to help you compare and ultimately select the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the interior design program and college that you enroll in has been accredited by 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). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their programs and teachers. Just make sure that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are exceptional, it may also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Long Beach California employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.

Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited program. And in some of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of work experience may be required also. So in addition to furnishing an exceptional education, the Long Beach 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 working.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly want some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are considering if they have a job placement program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent indication that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It could also indicate that the college has a large network of Long Beach CA business connections where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Long Beach CA colleges you are looking at and ask what kind of support they offer. Many of interior designer colleges provide financial aid to their incoming students. Certain colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide support in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive little individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Long Beach CA colleges you are reviewing what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Long Beach home, go to the campus and sit in on a couple of classes. While there talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design school you select offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Long Beach CA, make certain that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, verify that is an option as well. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.