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Topics to Ask Interior Design Programs

When you have chosen the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can start the task of analyzing your college options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the college needs to be within driving distance from your Milpitas CA residence. Of course if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will narrow down your options also. But choosing the most affordable college or the one that is closest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other factors that you need to consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the college. Following are a list of questions that you may want to ask the schools you are looking at to obtain those answers as well as others to help you compare and ultimately choose the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's important to verify that the interior designer program and school that you choose has earned accreditation from either a regional or national agency. 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 an extensive assessment of their teachers and programs. Just make sure 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 college and the quality of the education are outstanding, it might also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Milpitas California employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the Program Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do mandate 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 college. And in several of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. Therefore besides furnishing an exceptional education, the Milpitas CA college you enroll in should also furnish the appropriate instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and meet 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 earned your interior design certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If so, ask 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 trade and its students are in demand. It may also indicate that the school has a large network of Milpitas CA business connections where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Offered? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Milpitas CA schools you are reviewing and ask what kind of assistance they provide. A number of interior design programs offer financial aid to their incoming students. Various schools offer partial scholarships and others provide support in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that choosing an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Large are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive little individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Milpitas CA schools you are looking at what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Milpitas home, visit the college and attend a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior designer college you select provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Milpitas CA, make sure that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.