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What to Ask Interior Designer Programs

Now that you have chosen 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 campus needs to be within driving distance from your Green Bay WI home. Naturally if you are interested in attending a school online, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will narrow down your options as well. But choosing the cheapest college or the one that is nearest to your house are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you need to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask the schools you are reviewing to obtain those answers as well as others to help you examine and subsequently pick the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the interior design program and school that you choose has earned accreditation from 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). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their programs and teachers. Just make sure that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are excellent, it may also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Green Bay Wisconsin employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the School Prepare 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) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States calling for licensing, two or more years of work experience may be required as well. Therefore in addition to providing an excellent education, the Green Bay WI college you enroll in should also provide the appropriate instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum licensing requirements for Wisconsin 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 want some support in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask 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 trade and its students are sought after. It could also indicate that the school has a sizable network of Green Bay WI business relationships where they can place students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Green Bay WI colleges you are evaluating and ask what type of support they offer. Many of interior design programs provide financial aid to their incoming students. Some colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide help in obtaining grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited school 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 provide more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classes? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive little individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Green Bay WI programs you are considering what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Green Bay home, visit the college and monitor a few classes. While there talk with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior designer program you choose 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 at night or on weekends near Green Bay WI, make certain that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, check that is an alternative also. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.