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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Schools

Now that you have decided on the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the task of evaluating your school options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the college has to be within driving distance from your Ferry Pass FL residence. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will limit your choices as well. But selecting the cheapest school or the one that is nearest to home are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you should look at also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask the schools you are considering to get those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and subsequently pick the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the interior designer school and program that you select has earned accreditation from either a regional or national agency. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive assessment of their instructors and programs. Just make sure that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are outstanding, it may also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, many Ferry Pass Florida employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.

Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, 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) exam as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States mandating licensing, at least 2 years of professional experience may be required also. So besides furnishing an excellent education, the Ferry Pass FL college you select should also provide the proper training to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with the minimum requirements for licensing for Florida 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 no doubt need some support in finding your first job. Ask the colleges 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 an excellent sign that the college and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It could also signify that the college has a significant network of Ferry Pass FL business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Ferry Pass FL colleges you are looking at and find out what kind of support they offer. A number of interior design programs offer financial aid to their new students. Various colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide support in obtaining federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Large 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 Ferry Pass FL programs you are looking at what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Ferry Pass home, visit the school and sit in on a couple of classes. While there speak with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior design college you select provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Ferry Pass FL, confirm that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.