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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Colleges

When you have selected the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can begin the task of assessing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the campus must be within driving distance from your Titusville FL home. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will narrow down your options as well. But selecting the cheapest college or the one that is closest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you need to look at as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Following are a few concerns that you may want to ask the programs you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others to help you examine and ultimately select the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior designer school and program 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 receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous 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 organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are outstanding, it might also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Titusville Florida employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do require that interior designers become 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 school. And in several of those States requiring licensing, two or more years of professional experience may be required as well. So in addition to providing an exceptional education, the Titusville FL school you choose should also provide the proper education to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum licensing requirements for Florida or the State where you will be working.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly need some help in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent sign that the school and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It could also signify that the school has a significant network of Titusville FL business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Titusville FL schools you are reviewing and find out what type of assistance they offer. Many of interior designer colleges offer financial aid to their new students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships while others provide help in obtaining grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. In some cases a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Large are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Titusville FL programs you are reviewing what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Titusville home, visit the school and attend a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with a few students and find out 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 Fit your Schedule? Finally, confirm that the interior design school you select provides 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 Titusville FL, verify that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, confirm that is an alternative as well. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.