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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Programs

Now that you have decided on the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the process of analyzing your college options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the school must be within commuting distance from your DE home. Of course if you are interested in attending an online school, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will decrease your options also. But choosing the least expensive school or the one that is closest to home are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other things 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 considering to get those answers as well as others to help you assess and subsequently pick the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's imperative to verify that the interior design school and program that you choose has been accredited by either a national or regional agency. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous 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 college and the quality of the education are exceptional, it may also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Delaware employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.

Does the College Ready 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) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States calling for licensing, two or more years of work experience may be required also. So besides furnishing an exceptional education, the  DE school you enroll in should also provide the suitable training to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for Delaware or the State where you will be employed.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will no doubt want some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It could also indicate that the college has a sizable network of  DE business connections where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial assistance departments for the  DE schools you are evaluating and find out what type of assistance they provide. Many of interior designer colleges offer financial aid to their new students. Various schools provide partial scholarships while others provide support in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Ask the DE programs you are reviewing what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your home, visit the college and monitor a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

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