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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Colleges

Once you have decided on the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the task of assessing your college options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the campus has to be within commuting distance from your Saint Petersburg FL residence. Naturally if you are interested in attending a school online, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will limit your options also. But choosing the most affordable school or the one that is closest to home are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you should look at also, including the accreditation and reputation of the program. Below are a list of questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you compare and subsequently pick the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior designer college and program that you enroll in has been accredited by either a national or regional organization. One of the most respected in the field 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 college and the quality of the education are exceptional, it may also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, many Saint Petersburg Florida employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the Program Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would require 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 mandating licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required also. Therefore aside from providing an exceptional education, the Saint Petersburg FL program you select should also provide the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for Florida or the State where you will be working.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent indication that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design profession and its graduates are in demand. It could also signify that the college has a substantial network of Saint Petersburg FL business relationships where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Saint Petersburg FL colleges you are looking at and find out what kind of assistance they provide. Many of interior design colleges offer financial assistance to their new students. Certain colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide support in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited school is imperative for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Saint Petersburg FL programs you are considering what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Saint Petersburg home, visit the school and attend a few classes. While there talk with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior design school you enroll in provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Saint Petersburg FL, make sure 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 due to illness, work or family emergencies.