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What to Ask Interior Design Schools

Once you have decided on the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the task of analyzing your college options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the campus must be within driving distance from your Seaside CA residence. Obviously if you are interested in attending an online school, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will narrow down your choices also. But selecting the most affordable school or the one that is closest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you should consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a few concerns that you may want to ask the schools you are considering to get those answers in addition to others to help you examine and ultimately choose the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's essential to confirm that the interior designer school and program that you select has earned accreditation from either a national or regional agency. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment of their teachers and programs. Just confirm 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 school and the quality of the training are excellent, it might also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, many Seaside California employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.

Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited program. And in several of those States mandating licensing, a minimum of 2 years of occupational experience may be required also. So in addition to furnishing an outstanding education, the Seaside CA program you enroll in should also provide the suitable instruction 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 received your interior designer certification, you will probably need some support in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design profession and its graduates are sought after. It might also indicate that the school has a large network of Seaside 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 offices for the Seaside CA colleges you are reviewing and find out what type of assistance they provide. Many of interior design programs offer financial aid to their new students. Some schools provide partial scholarships and others provide help in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Large are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Seaside CA programs you are reviewing what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Seaside home, visit the school and attend a couple of 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 Offered that Fit your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior design program you enroll in provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Seaside 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, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.