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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Schools

When you have selected the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can begin the task of reviewing your school options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the campus has to be within driving distance from your San Pedro CA home. Of course if you are interested in attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will limit your options as well. But choosing the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you should consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a few concerns that you may want to ask the programs you are reviewing to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you compare and ultimately choose the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior design program and school that you enroll in has earned accreditation from 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 earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive evaluation of their teachers and programs. Just confirm 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 establish that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are outstanding, it may also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, many San Pedro California employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.

Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do mandate 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 program. And in some of those States calling for licensing, two or more years of professional experience may be required also. So aside from furnishing an excellent education, the San Pedro CA college you select should also furnish the proper training to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for California or the State where you will be working.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly want some support in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good indication that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design trade and its graduates are in demand. It may also indicate that the school has a large network of San Pedro CA business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Offered? Contact the financial assistance offices for the San Pedro CA schools you are reviewing and find out what type of aid they offer. A number of interior designer programs provide financial aid to their new students. Certain colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide support in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited college is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Small are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Ask the San Pedro CA colleges you are reviewing what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your San Pedro home, visit the college and sit in on a few classes. While there speak with a few 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 Accommodate your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior designer program you enroll in provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near San Pedro CA, verify that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, verify that is an option also. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.