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Interior Design Degrees Online

Subjects to Ask Interior Design Programs

Now that you have decided on the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can start the process of assessing your college options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the school has to be within driving distance from your Tustin CA home. Obviously if you have decided on attending an online school, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will decrease your choices also. But choosing the least expensive school or the one that is closest to home are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you need to look at as well, such as the accreditation and reputation of the program. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask the schools you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others in order to help you examine and ultimately pick the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's essential to confirm that the interior designer college and program that you choose has been accredited by either a regional or national organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding 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 acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are outstanding, it might also help when requesting financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Tustin California employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would necessitate 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, at least 2 years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore besides furnishing an exceptional education, the Tustin CA program you select should also provide the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ exam and comply with the minimum requirements for licensing for California or the State where you will be working.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and attained your interior designer certification, you will probably need some help in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design profession and its graduates are in demand. It may also indicate that the school has a large network of Tustin CA business relationships where they can place students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Tustin CA schools you are looking at and find out what type of assistance they provide. A number of interior design schools provide financial aid to their incoming students. Certain schools offer partial scholarships while others provide support in securing grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Big are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive little individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Tustin CA colleges you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Tustin home, visit the campus and attend a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior design program you choose provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Tustin CA, confirm that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, verify that is an alternative also. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.