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What to Ask Interior Design Schools

When you have decided on the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the college needs to be within driving distance from your Hartford CT home. Naturally if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will decrease your choices also. But choosing the most affordable school or the one that is closest to your house are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other things that you need to look at also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the college. Following are a list of questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are looking at to get those answers as well as others to help you examine and ultimately select the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's important to verify that the interior designer program and college that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a national or regional organization. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive evaluation of their programs and instructors. Just make sure that both the college and the degree program 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 education are exceptional, it might also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Hartford Connecticut employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.

Does the College Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in some of those States mandating licensing, a minimum of 2 years of work experience may be required as well. So aside from furnishing an excellent education, the Hartford CT college you choose should also provide the proper education to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum licensing requirements for Connecticut or the State where you will be working.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and attained your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly need some help in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good indication that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design field and its graduates are sought after. It might also indicate that the school has a large network of Hartford CT business relationships where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Provided? Contact the financial aid offices for the Hartford CT colleges you are evaluating and ask what type of support they offer. A number of interior design schools provide financial aid to their incoming students. Some colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in securing grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited program is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Large are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Hartford CT schools you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Hartford home, go to the college and sit in on a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior designer program you select offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Hartford CT, make sure that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.