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What to Ask Interior Design Programs

Once you have chosen the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the process of assessing your college options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the school must be within driving distance from your Oshkosh WI residence. Obviously 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 fee for tuition will narrow down your choices also. But choosing the most affordable college or the one that is nearest to home are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you need to look at as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the colleges you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others in order to help you compare and ultimately pick the right degree program.

Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior design program and college that you enroll in 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive evaluation of their teachers and programs. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. 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 obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Oshkosh Wisconsin employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do require 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 school. And in some of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of occupational experience may be required also. Therefore aside from providing an excellent education, the Oshkosh WI college you enroll in should also furnish the proper training to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum licensing requirements for Wisconsin or the State where you will be working.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will no doubt 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 high rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design field and its students are in demand. It may also indicate that the college has a significant network of Oshkosh WI business relationships where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Assistance Provided? Contact the financial aid departments for the Oshkosh WI colleges you are reviewing and find out what kind of aid they provide. Many of interior designer schools offer financial assistance to their new students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships and others provide help in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that choosing an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Big are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Oshkosh WI schools you are reviewing what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Oshkosh home, go to the college and attend a few classes. Take the opportunity to 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? Last, confirm that the interior design program you enroll in offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly significant if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Oshkosh WI, verify that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, verify that is an option as well. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.