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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Colleges

When you have selected the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the process of evaluating your school options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the campus has to be within driving distance from your West Hills CA residence. Of course if you are interested in attending an online school, or are able to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will limit your choices also. But picking the cheapest college or the one that is nearest to home are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other factors that you need to look at as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a list of questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are considering to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you examine and subsequently choose the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior design program and college that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a regional or national agency. 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 gone through an extensive evaluation of their programs and teachers. Just verify 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 education are exceptional, it might also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, many West Hills California employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the College Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do mandate 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 program. And in some of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of occupational experience may be required as well. So aside from furnishing an excellent education, the West Hills CA college you select should also furnish the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum requirements for licensing for California or the State where you will be employed.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will probably need some support in finding your first job. 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 an excellent indication that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design profession and its graduates are in demand. It might also indicate that the school has a sizable network of West Hills CA business connections where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Provided? Contact the financial aid departments for the West Hills CA schools you are reviewing and ask what type of aid they offer. Many of interior design schools offer financial assistance to their new students. Various colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide assistance in acquiring grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Large are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the West Hills CA programs you are reviewing what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your West Hills home, visit the college and sit in on a couple of classes. While there speak with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior designer school you select offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near West Hills CA, make certain that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, verify that is an option also. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.