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Questions to Ask Interior Design Programs

When you have decided on the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the task of reviewing your college options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the school must be within driving distance from your Menifee CA residence. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will limit your options as well. But choosing the most affordable college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other factors that you need to look at also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a few concerns that you may want to address with the colleges you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others in order to help you examine and subsequently pick the right degree program.

Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's important to confirm that the interior designer school and program that you choose has been accredited by either a regional or national organization. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment of their teachers and programs. Just make sure 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 verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are exceptional, it might also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, many Menifee California employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the College Prep 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 some of those States requiring licensing, two or more years of work experience may be required also. Therefore aside from furnishing an excellent education, the Menifee CA school you choose should also provide the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for California or the State where you will be working.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and attained your interior designer certification, you will probably need some help in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are considering if they have a job placement program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent indication that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design profession and its graduates are in demand. It could also signify that the school has a sizable network of Menifee CA business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Menifee CA colleges you are evaluating and find out what type of aid they offer. A number of interior designer colleges offer financial aid to their incoming students. Various colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide help in securing federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Big are the Classes? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Menifee CA schools you are looking at what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Menifee home, visit the college and sit in on a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior designer college you enroll in provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Menifee CA, make certain that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, verify that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.