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Interior Design Degrees Online

Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Programs

After you have decided on the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the task of reviewing your school options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the school needs to be within driving distance from your Glastonbury CT home. Naturally if you are interested in attending an online school, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will limit your choices as well. But picking the least expensive school or the one that is closest to your house are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other things that you need to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the schools you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others to help you examine and subsequently select 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 select 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). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive evaluation of their programs and teachers. Just verify that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are outstanding, it may also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Glastonbury Connecticut employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.

Does the Program 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 school. And in some of those States requiring licensing, a minimum of 2 years of occupational experience may be required as well. So in addition to providing an outstanding education, the Glastonbury CT program you enroll in should also provide the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ exam and comply with the minimum licensing requirements for Connecticut or the State where you will be employed.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior design certification, you will probably want some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are reviewing 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 held in high regard within the interior design profession and its graduates are sought after. It may also indicate that the college has a sizable network of Glastonbury CT business connections where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Available? Get in touch with the financial assistance offices for the Glastonbury CT schools you are looking at and find out what type of support they offer. Many of interior designer schools provide financial aid to their incoming students. Some colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide help in acquiring grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Big are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Glastonbury CT programs you are considering what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Glastonbury home, go to the college and sit in on a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Finally, confirm that the interior design college you select offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Glastonbury CT, make sure that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, check that is an alternative as well. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.