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Interior Design Degrees Online

Subjects to Ask Interior Design Schools

After you have selected the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can start the task of evaluating your college options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the campus has to be within driving distance from your Stamford CT residence. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will decrease your options also. But choosing the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to your house are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other things that you should consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a list of questions that you may want to address with the programs you are considering to get those answers as well as others to help you compare and subsequently pick the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the interior designer program and school that you enroll in has been accredited by 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 receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment of their instructors and programs. Just make sure that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are exceptional, it may also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Stamford Connecticut employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do mandate that interior designers get 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 program. And in some of those States requiring licensing, 2 or more years of work experience may be required also. Therefore in addition to furnishing an outstanding education, the Stamford CT school you enroll in should also furnish the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum requirements for licensing for Connecticut or the State where you will be employed.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some support in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are looking at if they have a job placement program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design trade and its students are sought after. It may also indicate that the school has a large network of Stamford CT business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Stamford CT schools you are reviewing and ask what kind of support they offer. Many of interior designer schools offer financial aid to their new students. Various schools offer partial scholarships and others provide help in acquiring grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited college is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Small are the Classes? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive little individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Stamford CT programs you are looking at what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Stamford home, go to the campus and sit in on a couple of classes. While there talk with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make sure that the interior designer college you select offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Stamford CT, confirm that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, verify that is an alternative as well. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.