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Questions to Ask Interior Design Programs

Now that you have chosen the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of analyzing your college options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the campus has to be within driving distance from your Merritt Island FL home. Of course if you have decided on attending an online school, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will limit your options also. But choosing the cheapest college or the one that is closest to home are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other things that you need to consider as well, such as the accreditation and reputation of the school. Following are a few concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are considering to get those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and ultimately choose the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's necessary to confirm that the interior design college and program that you choose 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their programs and instructors. Just verify 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 verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are exceptional, it may also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Merritt Island Florida employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.

Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do require 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 calling for licensing, a minimum of 2 years of occupational experience may be required also. So aside from providing an exceptional education, the Merritt Island FL college you enroll in 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 College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and earned your interior designer certification, you will no doubt want some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job placement program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent indication that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design field and its graduates are sought after. It may also signify that the school has a sizable network of Merritt Island FL business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Merritt Island FL colleges you are evaluating and find out what type of aid they provide. Many of interior design programs provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in obtaining grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Large are the Classes? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Merritt Island FL colleges you are considering what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Merritt Island home, visit the campus and sit in on a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with a few 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 Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, confirm that the interior design college you enroll in provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Merritt Island FL, make sure that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, confirm that is an option as well. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.