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Subjects to Ask Interior Design Programs

Now that you have selected the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can start the process of evaluating your school options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the college needs to be within commuting distance from your Milford CT residence. Naturally if you have decided on attending a school online, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will decrease your choices as well. But selecting 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 look at also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the college. Following are a few questions that you may want to ask the schools you are considering to obtain those answers in addition to others in order to help you compare and ultimately select the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior design program and college that you select has earned accreditation from either a national or regional agency. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment of their programs and teachers. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are exceptional, it might also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Milford Connecticut employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the Program Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do require that interior designers become 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 college. And in several of those States mandating licensing, at least 2 years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore aside from providing an exceptional education, the Milford CT school you choose should also provide the appropriate education to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum requirements for licensing 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 design certification, you will probably need some help in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If so, ask 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 could also indicate that the college has a large network of Milford CT business relationships where they can refer students to obtain internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial aid offices for the Milford CT schools you are evaluating and find out what type of aid they offer. A number of interior design programs offer financial aid to their incoming students. Various colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide support in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that choosing an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Big are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you may receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Milford CT colleges you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Milford home, go to the college and monitor a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior designer college you enroll in offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Milford CT, make sure that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, check that is an alternative as well. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.