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Topics to Ask Interior Designer Schools

After you have chosen the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the task of evaluating your school options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the college has to be within commuting distance from your Madison WI residence. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will decrease your choices as well. But selecting the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to home are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you should look at as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the program. Following are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are considering to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you examine and subsequently select the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior designer program and school that you enroll in has earned accreditation from 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). Colleges earning 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 organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are exceptional, it might also help when requesting financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Madison Wisconsin employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.

Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited program. And in some of those States calling for licensing, a minimum of 2 years of occupational experience may be required also. So aside from providing an excellent education, the Madison WI school you select should also furnish the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ exam and satisfy the minimum requirements for licensing for Wisconsin or the State where you will be working.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will probably want some support in finding your first position. 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 a good indication that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It might also signify that the college has a sizable network of Madison WI business relationships where they can place students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial aid offices for the Madison WI colleges you are evaluating and find out what type of assistance they provide. A number of interior design schools provide financial aid to their new students. Various schools provide partial scholarships and others provide assistance in acquiring grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Large are the Classes? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Madison WI schools you are looking at what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Madison home, visit the school and attend a few classes. Take the opportunity to talk with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior design college you select provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Madison WI, confirm that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an alternative also. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.