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Topics to Ask Interior Design Programs

Once you have chosen the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the campus must be within commuting distance from your Kissimmee FL residence. Of course if you have decided on attending an online school, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will decrease your options as well. But selecting the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to home are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you need to look at also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the school. Below are a few questions that you may want to address with the programs you are looking at to obtain those answers as well as others to help you assess and subsequently select the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior designer college and program that you enroll in 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). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive evaluation of their programs and instructors. 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 establish that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are excellent, it may also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Kissimmee Florida employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the College Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do require 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 mandating licensing, at least 2 years of occupational experience may be required as well. Therefore besides providing an exceptional education, the Kissimmee FL program you enroll in should also furnish the proper education to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy 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 obtained your interior design certification, you will probably need some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good indication that the school and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design field and its students are sought after. It might also indicate that the school has a large network of Kissimmee FL business connections where they can place students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial aid departments for the Kissimmee FL schools you are reviewing and find out what kind of aid they provide. A number of interior design schools provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Some colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in securing federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Large are the Classes? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Kissimmee FL colleges you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Kissimmee home, go to the college and attend a couple of classes. While there talk with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior design school you select offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Kissimmee FL, make sure that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, check that is an option also. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.