Interior Design Schools Interior Design Colleges Interior Design Programs Interior Design Classes
Interior Design Courses Interior Design Courses Online Interior Design Schools Online Interior Design Degrees
Interior Design Degrees Online

Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Programs

Once you have decided on the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the task of reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the school must be within commuting distance from your Sarasota FL residence. Naturally if you are interested in attending an online school, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will decrease your options as well. But choosing the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you should consider also, including the accreditation and reputation of the college. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the schools you are considering to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you compare and ultimately choose the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior design program and college that you choose has been accredited by either a national or regional agency. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous assessment of their programs and instructors. Just confirm that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are exceptional, it might also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, many Sarasota Florida employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.

Does the College Ready 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 as well as a degree from an accredited program. And in several of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of work experience may be required as well. So in addition to furnishing an outstanding education, the Sarasota FL school you enroll in should also provide the appropriate 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 obtained your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design trade and its graduates are sought after. It could also indicate that the college has a significant network of Sarasota FL business connections where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Available? Get in touch with the financial aid departments for the Sarasota FL colleges you are evaluating and find out what kind of support they provide. A number of interior designer programs provide financial assistance to their incoming students. Various schools offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in obtaining grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Sarasota FL programs you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Sarasota home, visit the school and sit in on 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 Offered that Fit your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior design school you enroll in offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Sarasota FL, verify that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, confirm that is an alternative as well. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.