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What to Ask Interior Designer Programs

Once you have decided on the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can start the task of analyzing your college options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the campus has to be within commuting distance from your Pensacola FL residence. Of course if you have decided on attending an online school, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will limit your options as well. But picking the most affordable college or the one that is nearest to home are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you should look at also, including the accreditation and reputation of the school. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to ask the colleges you are looking at to get those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and subsequently choose the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior designer program and college that you select has earned accreditation from either a national or regional organization. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding evaluation of their programs and teachers. Just confirm 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 education are excellent, it might also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Pensacola Florida employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.

Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do require 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 program. And in several of those States calling for licensing, at least 2 years of work experience may be required also. Therefore aside from providing an outstanding education, the Pensacola FL program you enroll in should also provide the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ exam 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? Once you have graduated and attained your interior designer certification, you will probably need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are considering if they have a job placement program. If so, find out 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 trade and its students are in demand. It could also signify that the school has a significant network of Pensacola FL business connections where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Pensacola FL schools you are reviewing and ask what kind of assistance they offer. A number of interior designer colleges provide financial aid to their new students. Some colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide support in obtaining federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Big are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Pensacola FL programs you are considering what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Pensacola home, visit the school and sit in on a couple of classes. While there speak with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior designer program you enroll in offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Pensacola FL, make certain that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, verify that is an alternative also. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.