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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Programs

After you have chosen the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can begin the task of reviewing your college options. Location will be an important factor, particularly if the school needs to be within commuting distance from your Rohnert Park CA home. Obviously if you are interested in attending an online school, or are able to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will decrease your options also. But selecting the cheapest college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other things that you need to look at also, including the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others to help you compare and subsequently pick the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's important to confirm that the interior design program and college that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a national or regional organization. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment of their instructors and programs. Just verify 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 verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are excellent, it may also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Rohnert Park California employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.

Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of work experience may be required also. So in addition to providing an excellent education, the Rohnert Park CA program you choose should also provide the suitable 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 Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the programs 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 indication that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design profession and its graduates are sought after. It could also signify that the school has a large network of Rohnert Park CA business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Rohnert Park CA colleges you are reviewing and ask what type of support they offer. A number of interior design schools offer financial assistance to their incoming students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships and others provide assistance in acquiring grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited college is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Large are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Rohnert Park CA colleges you are reviewing what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Rohnert Park home, go to the college and sit in on a few classes. While there talk with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior designer program you enroll in provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly significant if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Rohnert Park CA, make certain that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, verify that is an option also. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.