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Topics to Ask Interior Designer Schools

When you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of assessing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the school must be within commuting distance from your San Pablo CA home. Obviously if you have decided on attending a school online, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will limit your options also. But picking the least expensive college or the one that is nearest to home are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other things that you should look at also, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a few concerns that you may want to address with the schools you are considering to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you compare and subsequently pick the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's important to verify that the interior designer college and program that you choose has been accredited by either a regional or national organization. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive evaluation 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 recognized accrediting agency. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are exceptional, it might also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of San Pablo California employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in some of those States mandating licensing, at least 2 years of occupational experience may be required as well. So aside from furnishing an outstanding education, the San Pablo CA school you choose should also furnish the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ examination and meet the minimum requirements for licensing for California or the State where you will be working.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will probably want some support in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are reviewing 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 school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It may also signify that the college has a large network of San Pablo CA business connections where they can place students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the San Pablo CA schools you are looking at and find out what type of assistance they provide. A number of interior design colleges provide financial aid to their new students. Certain colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide help in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited program is imperative for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the San Pablo CA schools you are looking at what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your San Pablo home, visit the campus and monitor a few classes. While there speak with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Finally, make sure that the interior design college you enroll in provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near San Pablo CA, confirm that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, confirm that is an option also. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.