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Interior Design Degrees Online

Subjects to Ask Interior Design Schools

Once you have decided on the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the campus needs to be within commuting distance from your Lakeside FL home. Naturally if you are interested in attending an online school, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will limit your choices as well. But selecting 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 program. Below are a few concerns that you may want to ask the programs you are considering to get those answers as well as others in order to help you examine and subsequently choose the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's important to verify that the interior designer school and program that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a regional or national agency. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment of their teachers and programs. Just confirm that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are exceptional, it might also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Lakeside Florida employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.

Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited program. And in some of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of work experience may be required also. Therefore besides furnishing an excellent education, the Lakeside FL college you enroll in should also furnish the appropriate 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 attained your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly want some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design trade and its students are sought after. It could also signify that the school has a sizable network of Lakeside FL business connections where they can place students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Lakeside FL colleges you are reviewing and find out what type of assistance they provide. A number of interior designer programs provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Certain colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide assistance in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may actually 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 instruction from the teachers. Ask the Lakeside FL programs you are looking at what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Lakeside home, visit the college and sit in on 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 approaches are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior designer program you choose offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Lakeside FL, verify that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, confirm that is an option also. Finally, check what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.