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Questions to Ask Interior Design Colleges

After you have chosen the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can begin the task of analyzing your college options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the college has to be within driving distance from your Charleston WV home. Of course if you are interested in attending an online school, or are able to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will narrow down your options also. But selecting the cheapest college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other things that you should consider also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the school. Following are a list of questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others to help you examine and subsequently pick the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior designer college and program that you enroll in has been accredited by either a regional or national organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive assessment of their instructors and programs. Just verify that both the degree program and the college 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 education are exceptional, it may also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Charleston West Virginia employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would require 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, two or more years of work experience may be required as well. So besides providing an excellent education, the Charleston WV program you select should also provide the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum licensing requirements for West Virginia or the State where you will be employed.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly want some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good indication that the college and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design trade and its graduates are in demand. It could also indicate that the college has a substantial network of Charleston WV business relationships where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial assistance offices for the Charleston WV colleges you are reviewing and find out what type of aid they provide. Many of interior designer schools offer financial aid to their new students. Some schools offer partial scholarships and others provide support in obtaining grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a school 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? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Charleston WV programs you are considering what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Charleston home, visit the campus and sit in on a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior design program you enroll in offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly significant if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Charleston WV, make sure that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, verify that is an alternative as well. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.