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What to Ask Interior Design Schools

When you have decided on the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can begin the task of reviewing your college options. Location will be an important factor, particularly if the school has to be within commuting distance from your Lake Worth FL home. Obviously if you are interested in attending an online school, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will narrow down your options as well. But selecting the least expensive school or the one that is closest to your house are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you should consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the program. Following are a list of questions that you may want to address with the schools you are reviewing to obtain those answers in addition to others in order to help you examine and subsequently pick the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior design college and program that you choose has been accredited by either a regional or national organization. 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 a rigorous evaluation of their programs and instructors. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are outstanding, it may also help when securing financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Lake Worth Florida employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.

Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do require that interior designers get 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 college. And in some of those States requiring licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. So aside from furnishing an exceptional education, the Lake Worth FL school you enroll in should also provide the suitable training to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Florida or the State where you will be working.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly want some help in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design profession and its graduates are in demand. It might also signify that the college has a substantial network of Lake Worth FL business connections where they can place students to obtain internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Lake Worth FL colleges you are looking at and ask what kind of aid they provide. Many of interior designer programs offer financial aid to their incoming students. Certain schools offer partial scholarships while others provide support in obtaining grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Lake Worth FL schools you are reviewing what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Lake Worth home, go to the campus and attend 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 styles are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, confirm that the interior design college you select offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Lake Worth FL, make sure that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, confirm that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.