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Topics to Ask Interior Design Schools

Now that you have selected the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of reviewing your college options. Location will be an important factor, particularly if the campus has to be within commuting distance from your National City CA residence. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will decrease your options also. But choosing 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 consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the schools you are considering to obtain those answers in addition to others in order to help you compare and subsequently pick the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior design college and program that you enroll in has been accredited by either a national or regional organization. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive evaluation of their programs and instructors. Just verify that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are excellent, it might also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of National City California employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the School Prep 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 program. And in some of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of professional experience may be required also. So aside from furnishing an excellent education, the National City CA college you choose should also provide the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam 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 received your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly need some support in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design trade and its graduates are in demand. It could also indicate that the school has a substantial network of National City CA business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the National City CA schools you are evaluating and find out what kind of assistance they provide. Many of interior design programs provide financial aid to their new students. Various schools offer partial scholarships while others provide help in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Big are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the National City CA programs you are looking at what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your National City home, go to the school and sit in on a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior designer college you enroll in offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near National City CA, make certain that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an option also. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.