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Questions to Ask Interior Design Schools

Now that you have chosen the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the task of assessing your school options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the school must be within commuting distance from your Palm Beach Gardens FL residence. Of course if you have decided on attending an online school, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will decrease your choices as well. But choosing the most affordable school or the one that is closest to your house are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you should consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a few concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are considering to get those answers in addition to others to help you compare and ultimately select the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's important to verify that the interior designer program and school that you choose has been accredited by either a national or regional agency. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding assessment 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 acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are exceptional, it might also help when requesting financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Palm Beach Gardens Florida employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.

Does the College Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do mandate that interior designers become 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, 2 or more years of professional experience may be required also. So aside from furnishing an exceptional education, the Palm Beach Gardens FL college you select should also furnish the appropriate education to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill 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 attained your interior design certification, you will no doubt want some help in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are looking at if they have a job placement program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design field and its graduates are sought after. It could also indicate that the college has a sizable network of Palm Beach Gardens FL business relationships where they can place students to obtain internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Assistance Provided? Get in touch with the financial aid departments for the Palm Beach Gardens FL schools you are evaluating and ask what kind of assistance they offer. A number of interior designer schools provide financial aid to their new students. Certain schools offer partial scholarships while others provide help in acquiring federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited school is important for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college 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 intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Palm Beach Gardens FL schools you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Palm Beach Gardens home, go to the college and attend a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and find out 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 Fit your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior designer program you choose offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Palm Beach Gardens FL, make sure that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an option as well. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.