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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Programs

Now that you have decided on the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can start the task of analyzing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the school must be within commuting distance from your Englewood CO residence. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will decrease your options as well. But choosing the most affordable college or the one that is closest to your residence are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other things that you need to consider as well, such as the accreditation and reputation of the college. Following are a few concerns that you may want to ask the programs you are looking at to obtain those answers in addition to others in order to help you examine and subsequently pick the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the interior design program and school that you enroll in has been accredited by either a national or regional agency. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous assessment of their programs and instructors. Just verify that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are outstanding, it might also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Englewood Colorado employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the College Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited program. And in several of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of work experience may be required also. Therefore besides furnishing an exceptional education, the Englewood CO school you select should also furnish the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Colorado or the State where you will be employed.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior design certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are looking at if they have a job placement 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 held in high regard within the interior design field and its students are sought after. It might also signify that the college has a sizable network of Englewood CO business connections where they can refer students to obtain internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Englewood CO schools you are reviewing and ask what type of assistance they provide. Many of interior designer programs offer financial aid to their incoming students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships and others provide support in obtaining federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Englewood CO schools you are considering what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Englewood home, visit the college and monitor a couple of classes. While there speak with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior design program you enroll in provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Englewood CO, confirm that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, verify that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.