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Interior Design Degrees Online

Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Schools

When you have decided on the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can start the process of analyzing your college options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the school needs to be within commuting distance from your Wallingford CT residence. Obviously if you are interested in attending a school online, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will narrow down your options also. But selecting the cheapest school or the one that is closest to your house are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you should consider as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the college. Following are a few questions that you may want to address with the schools you are looking at to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you compare and subsequently select the right degree program.

Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's necessary to confirm that the interior designer college and program that you select has earned accreditation from either a regional or national organization. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding assessment 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 acknowledged 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 available for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Wallingford Connecticut employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.

Does the College Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do mandate that interior designers become 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 program. And in some of those States calling for licensing, 2 or more years of professional experience may be required as well. So besides furnishing an outstanding education, the Wallingford CT program you enroll in should also furnish the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Connecticut or the State where you will be employed.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will probably want some support 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 higher rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design profession and its graduates are sought after. It may also signify that the school has a large network of Wallingford CT business connections where they can place students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial aid departments for the Wallingford CT schools you are looking at and ask what kind of support they provide. A number of interior designer programs offer financial assistance to their incoming students. Some schools provide partial scholarships and others provide help in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited school is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Large are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Wallingford CT colleges you are considering what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Wallingford home, go to the school and attend a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior designer program you enroll in provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Wallingford CT, confirm that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, check that is an alternative as well. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.