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Questions to Ask Interior Design Schools

Now that you have decided on the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the campus has to be within driving distance from your Manhattan Beach CA residence. Naturally if you are interested in attending a school online, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will limit your options also. But picking the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to home are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you need to look at as well, such as the accreditation and reputation of the program. Following are a list of concerns that you may want to ask the schools you are considering to get those answers as well as others to help you assess and ultimately select the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's imperative to make sure that the interior designer program and college that you select has been accredited by either a regional or national organization. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous assessment of their programs and teachers. Just verify 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 confirm 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 accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Manhattan Beach California employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the Program Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States calling for licensing, at least 2 years of professional experience may be required also. So in addition to providing an outstanding education, the Manhattan Beach CA college you select should also furnish the proper education to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for California or the State where you will be employed.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly need some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the programs 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 held in high regard within the interior design trade and its graduates are in demand. It might also indicate that the school has a large network of Manhattan Beach CA business connections where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial aid departments for the Manhattan Beach CA colleges you are reviewing and find out what type of support they offer. Many of interior design colleges provide financial aid to their new students. Various schools offer partial scholarships and others provide support in obtaining federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper 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 large, you may receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Manhattan Beach CA programs you are looking at what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Manhattan Beach home, visit the college and monitor a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with a few 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 Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior design program you select provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Manhattan Beach CA, make sure that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, verify that is an alternative also. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.