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Topics to Ask Interior Design Programs

Now that you have chosen the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the task of evaluating your school options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the school needs to be within driving distance from your Riverside CA home. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will decrease your options as well. But choosing the cheapest school or the one that is closest to home are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you need to consider also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the school. Below are a list of questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are considering to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you examine and subsequently choose the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's essential to confirm that the interior designer program and college that you select has earned accreditation from 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). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive 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 verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training 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, many Riverside California employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the College Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited college. And in several of those States calling for licensing, 2 or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. So in addition to furnishing an outstanding education, the Riverside CA program you select should also furnish the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ examination and meet the minimum licensing requirements for California or the State where you will be employed.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will no doubt want some help in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent sign that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It may also signify that the school has a substantial network of Riverside CA business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Get in touch with the financial aid departments for the Riverside CA colleges you are evaluating and ask what kind of aid they offer. Many of interior designer programs provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Various colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide support in securing grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Large are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Riverside CA programs you are reviewing what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Riverside home, go to the campus and monitor 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 approaches are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior design college you enroll in offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Riverside CA, make sure that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, check that is an option also. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.