Interior Design Degree

The Interior Design program at College of DuPage offers an Associate in Applied Science degree and four certificates. The associate’s degree prepares you to perform a variety of skills, including drafting, computer technologies, space planning, construction details, code and life-safety issues, visualizing and rendering design concepts, lighting layout/specifying, client problem-solving, product review and specifications, and business principles and practices.

STUDENT PLANNING WORKSHEET 

When planning your coursework, use this Student Planning Worksheet.

CLASS FORMATS 

During the fall and spring semesters, classes meet only once a week for the hours listed in the class schedule. This "block scheduling" works best for Interior Design project-type classes.

PROGRAM FORMAT 

Beginning and intermediate level classes focus on specific skills or information. The classes culminate in the four advanced studio classes where all skills and information are utilized in comprehensive projects in one of four specialized areas: residential, universal (special needs), office and contract. The residential studio should be taken first since the space planning skills developed in this class will be necessary for the other studio classes.

SUGGESTED FIRST SEMESTER CLASSES 

Inter 1110, Drafting Interiors, three credits. 
This is the most important class to take first since it is the prerequisite for many other classes. This class is usually available every semester, including summer.

Inter 1120, Interior Systems, two credits. 
This class is usually available every semester, including summer.

Inter 1151, Architecture and Design History I, three credits. 
This class is only available in the fall semester. You should plan on taking the second part of the class, Inter 1152, during the following spring semester.

Inter1160, Textiles, two credits. 
This class is available in the fall and spring semesters. 

For more information, check Course Descriptions

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION/INTERNSHIP PROGRAM 

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. You 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, these co-op positions provide course credit, industry contacts and valuable experience for inclusion on a resume. In fact, many of these jobs lead to employment after graduation.

Job openings are posted near the Career Services area in the Student Resource Center and outside the Interior Design classroom in the McAninch Arts Center. 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 Jane Kielb, the Interior Design faculty advisor for CEIP students. Jane will assist you in developing learning goals for the job and receive signatures that allow you to register for class credit. More information on CEIP