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Topics to Ask Interior Design Schools

Now that you have decided on the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of assessing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the school has to be within driving distance from your Los Banos CA home. Obviously if you have decided on attending an online school, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will decrease your options also. But choosing the cheapest school or the one that is nearest to home are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you should look at also, including the accreditation and reputation of the program. Below are a few questions that you may want to address with the colleges you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others to help you examine and subsequently choose the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's important to verify that the interior design program and college that you select has been accredited by either a national or regional agency. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive assessment of their programs and teachers. 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 might also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, many Los Banos California employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.

Does the Program Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do require that interior designers get 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 college. And in some of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of work experience may be required as well. Therefore aside from providing an exceptional education, the Los Banos CA school you enroll in should also provide the proper training to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with the minimum requirements for licensing for California or the State where you will be working.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first job. 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 high rate is a good indication that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design profession and its graduates are in demand. It may also indicate that the school has a large network of Los Banos CA business relationships where they can place students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Offered? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Los Banos CA schools you are looking at and find out what kind of aid they offer. A number of interior design colleges provide financial aid to their new students. Various schools offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in acquiring grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a school that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Large are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Los Banos CA colleges you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Los Banos home, go to the college and attend a couple of classes. While there speak with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior design program you choose provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Los Banos CA, make certain that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, confirm that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.