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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Schools

Now that you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of assessing your school options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the school has to be within commuting distance from your North Lauderdale FL residence. Obviously if you are interested in attending a school online, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will narrow down your options also. But selecting the most affordable college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you need to look at also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the college. Following are a few questions that you may want to address with the colleges you are reviewing to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and ultimately select the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's imperative to make sure that the interior designer program and school that you choose has earned accreditation from either a regional or national organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive evaluation of their instructors and programs. Just verify that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are outstanding, it might also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, many North Lauderdale Florida employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.

Does the Program Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several 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 college. And in some of those States calling for licensing, 2 or more years of work experience may be required as well. Therefore in addition to furnishing an outstanding education, the North Lauderdale FL school you choose should also furnish the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ exam and comply with the minimum licensing requirements for Florida or the State where you will be employed.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and earned your interior designer certification, you will probably 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 a good indication that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design trade and its graduates are in demand. It might also signify that the school has a substantial network of North Lauderdale FL business relationships where they can refer students to obtain internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial aid offices for the North Lauderdale FL colleges you are reviewing and ask what kind of assistance they offer. Many of interior designer colleges provide financial assistance to their new students. Various colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in acquiring federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Ask the North Lauderdale FL programs you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your North Lauderdale home, go to the campus and sit in on a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design program you choose offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near North Lauderdale FL, verify that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, verify that is an option as well. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.