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Topics to Ask Interior Designer Schools

Now that you have selected the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the task of reviewing your college options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the campus has to be within driving distance from your Newark DE residence. Naturally if you are interested in attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will decrease your choices also. But selecting the cheapest school or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you need to look at as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the program. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to ask the programs you are looking at to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you examine and ultimately choose the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's important to verify that the interior designer school and program that you enroll in has been accredited by either a regional or national organization. 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 an extensive evaluation of their programs and instructors. 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 establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are outstanding, it may also help when requesting financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Newark Delaware employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.

Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in some of those States requiring licensing, a minimum of 2 years of occupational experience may be required also. Therefore aside from furnishing an outstanding education, the Newark DE program you choose should also provide the proper education to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with the minimum licensing requirements for Delaware or the State where you will be employed.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior design certification, you will no doubt want some help in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design profession and its graduates are sought after. It may also signify that the school has a substantial network of Newark DE business relationships where they can refer students to obtain internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Newark DE schools you are reviewing and find out what type of support they provide. Many of interior designer colleges provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Some colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide help in obtaining grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Newark DE programs you are looking at what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Newark home, go to the school and sit in on a couple of classes. While there talk with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior designer school you choose provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly significant if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Newark DE, confirm that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, verify that is an alternative as well. Finally, check what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.