Where to Begin
All students should begin by taking INT105, Introduction to Interior Design, which is an overview of all that the profession of Interior Design entails. Those pursuing the AAS Degree should also take INT100, Interior Design Drafting (or DFT121 Introduction to Architectural Drafting), which is a prerequisite to many other classes. From there, look at the Required Courses and select others that are labeled “Prerequisite: None”. Your schedule is based on how many classes you can take each semester, how flexible you are to take classes during the day or at night, and whether or not you have taken the prerequisites.
Interior Design FAQs
It is our goal to offer as many classes as possible each semester, both day and night. Currently, most 100 level courses are usually offered every semester, alternating from day to night. Some upper division 200 level classes may be offered once a year, so you will need to find out which semester they are typically offered, then plan accordingly. Many of our students are part-time out of necessity, due to work or family responsibilities, so they will obviously take longer to complete a certificate or degree. After selecting your Interior Design classes, fill in your schedule with courses in the General Education requirements (these do not have to be completed first). After your first semester, you should touch base with an Advisor or the Program Director to assure that you are taking classes in the best possible sequence.
As much as is feasibly possible with your particular schedule, it is recommended that you complete all of the classes at each level before proceeding on to the next level.
Beginning AAS classes: |
INT100 or DFT121, INT105, INT115, INT120, INT150, INT160 |
Intermediate AAS classes: |
INT140, INT145, INT268, INT170, INT175, INT190 |
Advanced AAS classes: |
INT215, INT240, INT285, INT271 |
Our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds. The average age is mid-30’s, although we have a full range of ages within our major. Some people come to us with other degrees, while some are just starting out. Many people have experience or are currently working in the design field while going to school. It is a richly textured group of creative people that you will find easy to relate to.
Students are required to purchase several specialized supplies, such as drafting equipment, paints, colored pencils, presentation boards and papers, etc. necessary to produce design work. This requires additional expense beyond the basic textbook requirements usually encountered.
Interior Design is a time-consuming major that requires several studio classes that meet 5-6 hours per week and involve the development of design presentations. A good amount of time outside of class is needed to work on these projects in order for them to be at a quality level suitable for inclusion in a portfolio of their work. This portfolio becomes the basis for a student to visually demonstrate their skills and abilities to potential employers.
A total of 240 hours of hands-on training with an interior design related business is required for the degree. It is recommended that this take place after the student has taken the majority of the 100 level classes, so that students can apply the skills they have learned. All information can be found on the ePortfolio portion accessed from the Interior Design Program homepage on the web.
The Program Director becomes your Advisor as soon as you think of yourself as an Interior Design major. To get through the program in the most efficient manner possible, it is best to set up an appointment each semester to plan a schedule that is most advantageous to your specific situation. Flexibility to take classes both during the day and at night helps to speed the amount of time necessary to complete the program.