Interior Design at College of DuPage offers students a variety of learning opportunities that match current industry trends and standards. Earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in interior design and one of three certificates in kitchen and bath design, lighting and computer applications.
Taught by experienced professionals, the program provides a range of interior design courses from fundamental through advanced levels. Students begin the program with entry-level courses like drafting, sustainable design, architecture and design history. Intermediate courses include computer aided drafting, space planning and lighting.
Courses culminate in the four advanced studio classes where all skills and information are utilized in comprehensive projects in one of four specialized areas: residential, health care, contract (restaurant and retail) and office design. The final courses of Professional Practices and Ethics and Portfolio Review prepare students to enter the interior design industry.
Determine Your Path
The interior design industry is tied to the economy, like many professional career fields. In addition to design and architectural firms, career opportunities include kitchen and bath design, computer-aided drafting and rendering, sustainable design, advanced lighting design and universal/barrier free interior design.
The Interior Design program has a diverse student population in regard to age, prior education and range of employment experiences.
Whether you are preparing for a career in interior design, planning to transfer to a four-year college or university or updating your skills, you will find classes with a dynamic exchange of life perspectives. This results in students not only sharing a love of interior design, but also finding other students at similar points in their educational and career journeys. COD offers:
- Dedicated instructors with years of professional experience, certification and licensing.
- Instruction utilizing top-notch facilities, equipment, and resources that creates a “design firm” environment for students.
- Small class sizes that ensure students receive personalized attention from instructors.
- An advisory board made up of respected industry professionals, ensuring a curriculum guided by current and emerging trends, as well as educational support and opportunities in and out of the classroom.
Interior Design Computer Applications, Certificate
The Interior Design Computer Applications certificate prepares students for computer support jobs in the design industry. The certificate requires 23 credits of design prerequisites and a wide array of computer courses.
Interior Design Lighting, Certificate
The Interior Design Lighting certificate prepares students for a support job in the lighting industry. Students focus on lighting fundaments, new technology, various applications, and graphic communication methods required in the design industry.
Interior Design, A.A.S.
The Interior Design degree program prepares students to work in one of the vast array of jobs in the design industry or transfer to a baccalaureate program. Involving both creative and technical skills, the Interior Design profession is constantly evolving. NCIDQ, the board for Interior Design qualifications, defines the profession in this way: The Professional Interior Designer is qualified by education, experience, and examination to enhance the function and quality of interior spaces. The Interior Design degree requires 70 credits in program requirements, program electives and general education. Students wishing to qualify for the NCIDQ exam would need to complete additional Interior Design elective credits to satisfy NCIDQ requirements.
Kitchen and Bath Design, Certificate
The Kitchen and Bath Design Certificate is accredited by the National Kitchen and Bath Association and prepares graduates with design and business skills necessary for industry professionals. This is an intensive career track certificate which includes a 2 credit hour internship of at least 160 work hours.
COD Stories
"My goal was to stay home with my daughter during the day and take classes at night. COD was perfect for that – the cost, close proximity to home and ability to take classes that fit my schedule.” - Valerie Jardon
Valerie's COD StoryCOD Stories
"The Interior Design program is comprehensive and aligned with the expectations of real-world clients." - Jordan Guide
Jordan's COD StoryGet Started Today
The first step to getting started in interior design is to apply for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
Interior Design Associate in Applied Science
- Develop a comprehensive design concept based on creative problem-solving research including viable space planning using industry standards.
- Create a full set of design documents for an interior design project.
- Generate appropriate furniture, fixture, and materials selection considering applicable codes and sustainability using critical thinking strategies. (social responsibility).
- Produce a presentation of a fully integrated design project that utilizes visualization software comparable to professional industry standards.
- Compose written justification of project designs and verbally communicate design solutions in presentations in an effective and professional manner.
- Demonstrate soft skills including: a. collaboration, creating a positive impact on the classroom b. positive attitude and work ethic c. accepting/applying feedback to project outcome d. self-direction and follow-through.
Interior Design Computer Applications Certificate
- Develop a comprehensive design concept based on creative problem-solving research including viable space planning using industry standards.
- Create a full set of design documents for an interior design project.
- Produce a presentation of a fully integrated design project that utilizes visualization software comparable to professional industry standards.
- Compose written justification of project designs and verbally communicate design solutions in presentations in an effective and professional manner.
- Demonstrate soft skills including: a. collaboration, creating a positive impact on the classroom b. positive attitude and work ethic c. accepting/applying feedback to project outcome d. self-direction and follow-through.
Kitchen & Bath Design Certificate
- Develop a comprehensive design concept based on creative problem-solving research including viable space planning using National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) drawing and layout standards.
- Create a full set of design documents for kitchen and bath projects.
- Generate appropriate furniture, fixture, and materials selection considering applicable codes and sustainability using critical thinking strategies. (social responsibility).
- Produce a presentation of a fully integrated design project that utilizes visualization software comparable to professional industry standards.
- Compose written justification of Kitchen and Bath designs through drawings and proposals and verbally communicate design solutions in presentations in an effective and professional manner.
- Demonstrate soft skills including: a. collaboration, creating a positive impact on the classroom b. positive attitude and work ethic c. accepting/applying feedback to project outcome d. self-direction and follow-through.
Interior Design Lighting Certificate
- Develop comprehensive lighting designs based on the technical understanding of lighting, industry standards and evidence-based design.
- Create lighting design documents for an interior design project that include reflected ceiling plans, lighting schedules and specifications.
- Generate appropriate fixture selections based on applicable codes, sustainability, functionality, maintenance, and design aesthetic.
- Use lighting calculations to design spaces with sufficient light levels based on applicable codes, sustainability, functionality, maintenance, and design aesthetic.
- Compose written justification of lighting designs and verbally communicate design solutions in presentations in an effective and professional manner.
- Demonstrate soft skills including: a. collaboration, creating a positive impact on the classroom b. positive attitude and work ethic c. accepting/applying feedback to project outcome d. self-direction and follow-through.
College of DuPage partners with several four-year institutions to help students seamlessly complete a bachelor’s degree in interior design. Students can connect with Transfer Services for personalized guidance on transfer opportunities.
For more information about Transfer Pathways, visit the College of DuPage Catalog. The pathway outlines a typical two-year course plan for completing an AA or AS degree before transferring to a four-year program. Course requirements vary by institution, so consult your faculty or academic advisor for specific guidance.
Articulation Agreements
College of DuPage maintains transfer agreements with many colleges and universities to ensure a smooth transition toward a bachelor’s degree. These agreements often include a defined course sequence. Students should regularly meet with a faculty member or the Counseling and Advising office to stay on track.- Columbia College Chicago, AAS to BFA in Interior Architecture
- Judson University, AAS to BA in Interior Design
Transfer Guides
Beyond articulation agreements and guaranteed admission programs, College of DuPage courses transfer to many other institutions. Transfer Guides help students select COD courses that meet prerequisites for specific majors and include details such as contact information, major requirements, general education requirements, and transfer policies.Career Information
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