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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Schools

When you have chosen the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the task of analyzing your school options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the school must be within driving distance from your Redlands CA residence. Of course if you have decided on attending an online school, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will decrease your options as well. But choosing the most affordable college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you need to consider also, including the accreditation and reputation of the program. Following are a few concerns that you may want to ask the schools you are considering to get those answers in addition to others to help you assess and ultimately pick the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior designer school and program that you choose has been accredited by 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 obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their programs and instructors. Just confirm that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are outstanding, it may also help when requesting financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Redlands California employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.

Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of 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 program. And in some of those States calling for licensing, a minimum of 2 years of work experience may be required also. So in addition to providing an exceptional education, the Redlands CA college you select should also provide the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum requirements for licensing for California or the State where you will be employed.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior design certification, you will no doubt need some help in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design field and its students are in demand. It could also indicate that the college has a significant network of Redlands CA business relationships where they can place students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Assistance Offered? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Redlands CA schools you are reviewing and find out what type of support they provide. Many of interior design schools provide financial aid to their incoming students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships while others provide help in securing federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a program that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Big are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive little individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Redlands CA schools you are considering what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Redlands home, go to the college and monitor a couple of classes. While there speak with some 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 Offered that Fit your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior designer program you select offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Redlands CA, make certain that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, verify that is an option as well. Finally, check what the process is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.