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Interior Design Degrees Online

Subjects to Ask Interior Design Programs

After you have chosen the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of assessing your school options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the college needs to be within driving distance from your New Haven CT home. Of course if you have decided on attending an online school, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will narrow down your choices also. But picking the least expensive school or the one that is closest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you should consider also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the college. Following are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others to help you compare and subsequently choose the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior design school and program that you choose has earned accreditation from either a regional or national organization. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive evaluation of their programs and teachers. Just make sure that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are excellent, it may also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of New Haven Connecticut employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the Program Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States calling for licensing, 2 or more years of occupational experience may be required also. So besides furnishing an outstanding education, the New Haven CT school you choose should also furnish the proper training to pass the NCIDQ exam and comply with the minimum requirements for licensing for Connecticut 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 no doubt need some support in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design trade and its graduates are sought after. It could also indicate that the college has a substantial network of New Haven CT business connections where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Contact the financial aid offices for the New Haven CT schools you are reviewing and ask what type of support they offer. Many of interior designer programs offer financial assistance to their incoming students. Some schools provide partial scholarships and others provide assistance in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that choosing an accredited school is imperative for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program 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 limited individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the New Haven CT schools you are looking at what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your New Haven home, visit the school 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 approaches are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design program you choose offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near New Haven CT, make certain that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, verify that is an option as well. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.