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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Schools

Once you have chosen the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the process of assessing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the school must be within driving distance from your Pembroke Pines FL home. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will narrow down your options as well. But picking the least expensive college or the one that is closest to your house are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you should consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Following are a few questions that you may want to ask the programs you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others to help you assess and ultimately select the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's important to verify that the interior design college and program that you choose has been accredited by either a national or regional agency. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive evaluation of their instructors and programs. Just verify that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are exceptional, it may also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, many Pembroke Pines Florida employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited college. And in some of those States mandating licensing, a minimum of 2 years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore in addition to providing an exceptional education, the Pembroke Pines FL program you select should also furnish the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and comply with the minimum licensing requirements for Florida or the State where you will be working.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and attained your interior designer certification, you will probably want some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing 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 esteemed within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It may also indicate that the school has a substantial network of Pembroke Pines FL business relationships where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Provided? Contact the financial aid departments for the Pembroke Pines FL colleges you are evaluating and find out what kind of assistance they offer. A number of interior designer programs offer financial assistance to their incoming students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships and others provide help in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a college that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Large are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Pembroke Pines FL colleges you are considering what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Pembroke Pines home, go to the college and attend a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some 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 Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior design program you enroll in provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Pembroke Pines FL, confirm that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, confirm that is an option as well. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.