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.

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 Computer Applications, Certificate
• Interior Design Lighting, Certificate
• Interior Design, Associate in Applied Science
• Kitchen and Bath Design, Certificate

Interior Design Associate in Applied Science

1. Develop a comprehensive design concept based on creative problem-solving research including viable space planning using industry standards.
2. Create a full set of design documents for an interior design project.
3. Generate appropriate furniture, fixture, and materials selection considering applicable codes and sustainability using critical thinking strategies. (social responsibility).
4. Produce a presentation of a fully integrated design project that utilizes visualization software comparable to professional industry standards. 
5. Compose written justification of project designs and verbally communicate design solutions in presentations in an effective and professional manner.
6. 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

1. Develop a comprehensive design concept based on creative problem-solving research including viable space planning using industry standards.
2. Create a full set of design documents for an interior design project.
3. Produce a presentation of a fully integrated design project that utilizes visualization software comparable to professional industry standards.
4. Compose written justification of project designs and verbally communicate design solutions in presentations in an effective and professional manner.
5. 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

1. 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.
2. Create a full set of design documents for kitchen and bath projects.
3. Generate appropriate furniture, fixture, and materials selection considering applicable codes and sustainability using critical thinking strategies. (social responsibility).
4. Produce a presentation of a fully integrated design project that utilizes visualization software comparable to professional industry standards. 
5. 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.
6. 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

1. Develop comprehensive lighting designs based on the technical understanding of lighting, industry standards and evidence-based design.
2. Create lighting design documents for an interior design project that include reflected ceiling plans, lighting schedules and specifications.
3. Generate appropriate fixture selections based on applicable codes, sustainability, functionality, maintenance, and design aesthetic.
4. Use lighting calculations to design spaces with sufficient light levels based on applicable codes, sustainability, functionality, maintenance, and design aesthetic.
5. Compose written justification of lighting designs and verbally communicate design solutions in presentations in an effective and professional manner.
6. 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 Advising Services 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.

College of DuPage's Cooperative Education and Internship Program (CEIP) provides a beneficial partnership among employers, students and the College.

Nothing can compare with skills learned in actual job situations. Current students are strongly encouraged to seek co-op jobs or internships as you work toward completion of your degree or certificates.

In addition to on-the-job training, co-op positions provide course credit, industry contacts and valuable experience for inclusion on a resume. Many of these jobs lead to employment after graduation.

Job openings are posted through Career Services, on the bulletin boards in the Interior Design hallway in the Technical Education Center (TEC) and on the Interior Design blog. You are responsible for contacting potential employers. 

Once you have secured a position, you must contact the CEIP for the required paperwork. Then you will need an appointment with your Interior Design faculty advisor for CEIP students. Your faculty advisor will assist you in developing learning goals for the job and receive signatures that allow you to register for class credit.