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Questions to Ask Interior Design Programs

When you have chosen the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of reviewing your college options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the campus has to be within driving distance from your Roseville CA residence. Obviously if you have decided on attending an online school, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will limit your choices as well. But picking the cheapest college or the one that is nearest to home are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other factors that you should look at also, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the schools you are looking at to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and subsequently select the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior design college and program that you enroll in has been accredited by either a regional or national agency. 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 gone through an extensive evaluation of their instructors and programs. Just verify that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are exceptional, it might also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, many Roseville California employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.

Does the Program Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several 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 school. And in several of those States mandating licensing, a minimum of 2 years of work experience may be required also. Therefore aside from furnishing an excellent education, the Roseville CA school you select should also furnish the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with the minimum requirements for licensing for California or the State where you will be employed.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will no doubt want some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent sign that the school and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It could also indicate that the school has a sizable network of Roseville CA business connections where they can place students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Offered? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Roseville CA colleges you are reviewing and ask what kind of assistance they provide. Many of interior designer colleges offer financial assistance to their incoming students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships and others provide support in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited college is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Roseville CA schools you are reviewing what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Roseville home, go to 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 approaches are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior design college you enroll in offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Roseville CA, verify that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, check 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.