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What to Ask Interior Designer Programs

Now that you have chosen the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the task of assessing your college options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the campus has to be within commuting distance from your North Hollywood CA residence. Obviously if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will limit your options as well. But selecting the least expensive college or the one that is nearest to home are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you need to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the program. Following are a few concerns that you may want to ask the colleges you are considering to obtain those answers in addition to others in order to help you assess and subsequently choose the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's essential to confirm that the interior design program and college that you choose has earned accreditation from 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their teachers and programs. Just verify that both the college and the degree program 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 exceptional, it might also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of North Hollywood California employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the Program Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States calling for licensing, two or more years of work experience may be required as well. So besides providing an outstanding education, the North Hollywood CA school you enroll in should also furnish the suitable training to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum requirements for licensing 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 designer certification, you will no doubt want some support in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If so, 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 sought after. It might also indicate that the college has a substantial network of North Hollywood CA business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial assistance departments for the North Hollywood CA colleges you are evaluating and ask what type of aid they provide. A number of interior designer schools offer financial assistance to their incoming students. Some colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide assistance in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited school is essential 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 offer more generous financial aid.

How Big are the Classes? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the North Hollywood CA programs you are looking at what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your North Hollywood home, go to the school and attend a couple of classes. While there speak with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior designer program you choose offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near North Hollywood CA, verify 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, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.