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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Schools

When you have chosen the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can begin the task of analyzing your college options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the campus has to be within commuting distance from your Santa Monica CA home. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are able to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will decrease your choices as well. But choosing the least expensive college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you should look at also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask the schools you are looking at to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you assess and subsequently pick the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the interior designer program and college that you enroll in has been accredited by either a national or regional organization. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous evaluation 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 establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are outstanding, it might also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Santa Monica California employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the Program Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States mandating licensing, at least 2 years of work experience may be required as well. So besides furnishing an outstanding education, the Santa Monica CA program you select should also furnish the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for California or the State where you will be employed.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly need some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design field and its graduates are in demand. It could also signify that the college has a large network of Santa Monica CA business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Get in touch with the financial assistance offices for the Santa Monica CA schools you are evaluating and find out what kind of assistance they offer. A number of interior design colleges provide financial assistance to their new students. Some schools provide partial scholarships while others provide help in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Big are the Classrooms? Smaller 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 Santa Monica CA colleges you are considering what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Santa Monica home, go to the college and attend a couple of classes. While there talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior design school you enroll in provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Santa Monica CA, verify that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, verify that is an alternative also. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.