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Topics to Ask Interior Design Schools

When you have selected the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the process of reviewing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the campus needs to be within driving distance from your Southglenn CO home. Naturally if you are interested in attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will decrease your choices also. But selecting the most affordable school or the one that is closest to your house are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you need to look at also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the college. Following are a few questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are looking at to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you examine and ultimately choose the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior designer college and program that you select has been accredited by 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 obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their programs and teachers. Just make sure 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 confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are exceptional, it might also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Southglenn Colorado employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.

Does the College Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do mandate 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 mandating licensing, at least 2 years of occupational experience may be required also. Therefore in addition to furnishing an excellent education, the Southglenn CO school you choose should also furnish the appropriate instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Colorado or the State where you will be employed.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly need some support in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent sign that the school and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design field and its graduates are in demand. It may also signify that the college has a large network of Southglenn CO business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Southglenn CO schools you are looking at and ask what type of assistance they provide. A number of interior design schools provide financial assistance to their new students. Certain colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide support in securing grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Small are the Classes? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Southglenn CO colleges you are reviewing what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Southglenn home, go to the college and monitor a few classes. While there talk 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 Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior designer program you choose offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Southglenn CO, verify that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, confirm that is an alternative as well. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.