Interior Design Schools Interior Design Colleges Interior Design Programs Interior Design Classes
Interior Design Courses Interior Design Courses Online Interior Design Schools Online Interior Design Degrees
Interior Design Degrees Online

Questions to Ask Interior Design Schools

After you have decided on the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the task of reviewing your college options. Location will be an important factor, particularly if the college needs to be within commuting distance from your Pacifica CA home. Obviously if you are interested in attending an online school, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will decrease your choices also. But selecting the most affordable college or the one that is nearest to home are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other things that you should look at as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the school. Following are a few questions that you may want to ask the schools you are reviewing to obtain those answers as well as others to help you examine and subsequently pick the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior designer college and program that you enroll in has been accredited by either a national or regional organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their instructors 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 college and the quality of the training are excellent, it might also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Pacifica California employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.

Does the College Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States requiring licensing, a minimum of 2 years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore besides furnishing an exceptional education, the Pacifica CA college you choose should also provide the proper training to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum requirements for licensing for California or the State where you will be working.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will no doubt want some help in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good indication that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design trade and its students are in demand. It might also signify that the college has a substantial network of Pacifica CA business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial aid offices for the Pacifica CA colleges you are reviewing and find out what type of support they offer. Many of interior designer schools offer financial assistance to their new students. Various colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide support in securing grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited college is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Pacifica CA programs you are considering what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Pacifica home, go to the college and attend a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior designer program you enroll in offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Pacifica CA, verify that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, check that is an option also. Finally, check what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.