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What to Ask Interior Design Programs

After you have chosen the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of assessing your school options. Location will be an important factor, particularly if the school has to be within commuting distance from your Deerfield Beach FL 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 expense for tuition will narrow down your choices as well. But choosing the cheapest college or the one that is nearest to your house are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you need to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Following are a list of questions that you may want to ask the programs you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others to help you examine and ultimately pick the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's essential 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 highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone 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 acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are outstanding, it might also help when requesting financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Deerfield Beach Florida employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the College Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited program. And in some of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of work experience may be required as well. So aside from providing an exceptional education, the Deerfield Beach FL program you enroll in should also furnish the appropriate instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum requirements for licensing for Florida or the State where you will be employed.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior designer certification, you will probably need some help 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 a good indication that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design field and its graduates are in demand. It may also signify that the college has a significant network of Deerfield Beach FL business relationships where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial aid offices for the Deerfield Beach FL colleges you are reviewing and find out what kind of assistance they provide. A number of interior designer programs offer financial assistance to their new students. Some schools provide partial scholarships while others provide support in securing grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Deerfield Beach FL programs you are considering what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Deerfield Beach home, go to the campus and attend a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak 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 Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior design program you select provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly significant if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Deerfield Beach FL, confirm that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, verify that is an option as well. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.