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Topics to Ask Interior Design Schools

Now that you have selected the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the task of analyzing your school options. Location will be an important factor, particularly if the campus must be within driving distance from your Pleasanton CA residence. Obviously if you are interested in attending a school online, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will limit your choices also. But choosing the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to home are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other things that you should consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a list of questions that you may want to ask the schools you are considering to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you examine and subsequently select the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's important to confirm that the interior designer program and college that you enroll in has been accredited by either a national or regional organization. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment of their programs and instructors. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are exceptional, it might also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Pleasanton California employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.

Does the College Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States mandating licensing, at least 2 years of occupational experience may be required also. Therefore besides providing an exceptional education, the Pleasanton CA school you enroll in should also furnish the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ exam and comply with the minimum licensing requirements for California or the State where you will be working.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will no doubt want some help in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are reviewing 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 esteem within the interior design profession and its graduates are in demand. It could also indicate that the college has a significant network of Pleasanton CA business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Offered? Contact the financial aid offices for the Pleasanton CA schools you are reviewing and find out what type of aid they provide. A number of interior designer schools provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Certain schools offer partial scholarships and others provide help in obtaining grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Big are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive little individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Pleasanton CA colleges you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Pleasanton home, visit the school and sit in on 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 experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior design school you select offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Pleasanton CA, make certain that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, verify that is an option as well. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.