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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Colleges

After you have decided on the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can begin the task of analyzing your college options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the campus needs to be within driving distance from your Shelton CT home. Naturally if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will narrow down your options as well. But choosing the least expensive college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you need to look at as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the school. Below are a few questions that you may want to address with the programs you are considering to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you compare and ultimately select 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 been accredited by 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). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding evaluation of their instructors and programs. Just confirm 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 establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are exceptional, it may also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Shelton Connecticut employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.

Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States calling for licensing, at least 2 years of occupational experience may be required as well. So aside from furnishing an outstanding education, the Shelton CT school you select should also provide the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam 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 earned your interior designer certification, you will probably want some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design profession and its graduates are sought after. It may also indicate that the college has a sizable network of Shelton CT business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial aid departments for the Shelton CT schools you are reviewing and find out what kind of assistance they provide. Many of interior design schools offer financial aid to their new students. Some colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide help in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive little individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Shelton CT programs you are considering what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Shelton home, go to the campus and monitor a few classes. Take the opportunity to speak 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 Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, confirm that the interior design school you select provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Shelton CT, make certain that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, check that is an option also. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.