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Interior Design Degrees Online

Subjects to Ask Interior Design Schools

Now that you have selected the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of evaluating your college options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the college has to be within commuting distance from your Fort Collins CO home. Obviously if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will limit your options as well. But picking the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to your house are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you should look at as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are looking at to get those answers as well as others in order to help you examine and ultimately pick the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior design program and school that you choose has been accredited by either a regional or national agency. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding 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 organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are outstanding, it might also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, many Fort Collins Colorado employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.

Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited college. And in several of those States requiring licensing, 2 or more years of work experience may be required also. So aside from furnishing an exceptional education, the Fort Collins CO program you choose should also furnish the suitable training to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with the minimum licensing requirements for Colorado or the State where you will be employed.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and obtained your interior design certification, you will probably need some support in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design profession and its graduates are sought after. It may also signify that the school has a sizable network of Fort Collins CO business relationships where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Fort Collins CO colleges you are looking at and ask what type of assistance they offer. Many of interior designer programs provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Various schools provide partial scholarships and others provide assistance in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited school is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Big are the Classes? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Fort Collins CO programs you are looking at what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Fort Collins home, visit the campus and monitor a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Finally, make sure that the interior designer school you enroll in provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Fort Collins CO, confirm that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, check that is an alternative as well. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.