Choosing an Online Design School
If you have decided to pursue a career in design then your next step is to choose a good school. For various reasons an online education may be the best choice as it allows you the most flexibility in completing your assignments, meaning you can make it work around your life. However, you still want to make sure that the school you choose is a quality institution. Some key points to look at are:
Accreditation
Unless you want a design diploma just for kicks you need to ensure that any program you take is properly accredited. This ensures that you are qualified for any position that you apply for. In the design field look for schools that are accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation or the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER). You will also want your program to be recognized by the US Department of Education if you need financial aid. The following agencies are also responsible for accreditation of programs in the United States:
- MSA/CHE – Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Higher Education
- NEASC-CIHE – New England Association of Schools and Colleges / Commission on Technical and Career Institutions
- SACS – Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Western Association of Colleges and Schools
Range of Programs
What school you choose depends on what type of program you are looking for. Some schools may offer a broad range of programs so you can take a bit of everything, while others may offer specialization in certain fields, such as Green Design. As long as the school you choose offers enough options that you can get the diploma you want then it is probably a good choice. Try to avoid schools that offer limited choices, as it may be a sign that they are phasing out that particular program from the curriculum.
Flexibility
You are probably looking at online school programs because you require a schedule that is flexible, but not all online schools are the same. Find out exactly what type of schedule they set out and whether you are required to attend online classes or lectures before you apply, or else you may find that your school life becomes your life as you try to make everything else fit around it.
Entrance Requirements
The entrance requirements for design schools usually require a high school diploma or GED. Depending on the courses you are taking you may need a minimum level and grade in math. Make sure you know what the entrance requirements are beforehand. On occasion exceptions can be made for older students and in other situations, so it is always best to ask.
Payments and Scholarships
Going back to school can be a pain in the pocketbook, so if you think that your tuition may be a strain to the finances you will want to inquire as to whether the school you are looking at offers any kind of payment plan, financial aid, or scholarships that you can qualify for. After all, every little bit helps.
Internships and Career Placement
You can work your way into a cushy design job much faster if your school helps. Get some hands-on experience as an intern in a design firm in your area, or get help landing your first post-diploma job with some assistance from your school, if they offer this service. Having a school that assists its graduates in finding jobs is usually a sign of a good quality school.
Published: 2009-11-02
