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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Colleges

After you have decided on the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the task of reviewing your school options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the campus must be within driving distance from your Menomonee Falls WI home. Naturally if you are interested in attending a school online, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will narrow down your choices also. But picking the cheapest college or the one that is closest to your house are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you should look at as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a list of questions that you may want to address with the schools you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others to help you compare and ultimately choose the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior design program and school that you choose has been accredited by either a regional or national organization. One of the most highly regarded 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 programs and teachers. Just verify 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 verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are excellent, it may also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Menomonee Falls Wisconsin employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.

Does the College Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited program. And in some of those States calling for licensing, at least 2 years of work experience may be required as well. So aside from furnishing an exceptional education, the Menomonee Falls WI college you select should also furnish the suitable training to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Wisconsin or the State where you will be employed.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly need some help in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent sign that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It might also signify that the school has a significant network of Menomonee Falls WI business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Assistance Offered? Contact the financial aid departments for the Menomonee Falls WI colleges you are reviewing and ask what kind of aid they provide. Many of interior design programs provide financial assistance to their new students. Some schools offer partial scholarships while others provide support in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited program is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Menomonee Falls WI programs you are considering what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Menomonee Falls home, visit the school and monitor a couple of classes. While there speak with a few 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? Finally, confirm that the interior designer school you choose provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly significant if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Menomonee Falls WI, confirm that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, check that is an alternative as well. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.