Program Overview

This 72 credit-hour program is designed for students interested in careers in the furnishing and design industry. The program offers creative, artistic and challenging career opportunities. Graduates are trained to work as kitchen and bath designers, retail designers/salespersons, interior design assistants, assistant buyers of home furnishings, manufacturers’ representatives or Merchandise Mart showroom managers.

Periodic field trips are required and will help students learn about current design trends. Students are encouraged to have computers at home although campus computer labs are available for student use. AutoCad and CAD Studio courses are required courses.

The Associate in Applied Science degree in Interior Design may be used to meet the interior design education requirement for registration of interior designers, the curriculum provides an overview of topics tested by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam, which must be completed before interior designers may be registered by the State of Illinois. In addition, the program is endorsed by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).

By completing all required courses in this program, the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement has been met for this AAS degree.

Program Requirements

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An assessment test, available in the Assessment and Testing Center, must be taken before registering for ENG 101.

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The mathematics requirement for this degree can be met with MGT 150 (Business Math) or Math Competency. See Math Competency options for information. Students who use Math Competency to meet the mathematics requirement must complete an additional three credit-hour AAS General Education elective. See full list of AAS General Education Electives.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:

• collect, analyze and prioritize data about client needs.
• formulate design concepts and special solutions that are appropriate, functional and aesthetic.
• apply the elements and principles of design to interior environments.
• create and present design solutions in two and three dimensions.
• verbally and visually communicate and justify design solutions that reflect sensitivity to client needs.
• prepare design and construction drawings, specifications and estimates utilizing both manual presentation skills and computer applications.
• develop design solutions as they relate to greater societal, environmental and economic issues.
• apply the history of interiors, architecture and aesthetics to design solutions.
• apply the laws, codes, regulations, standards and practices that protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.
• demonstrate knowledge and application of business, professional and ethical practices in design.