Interior Design

• Interior Design — A.A.S. Degree 85 credits
• Interior Design — Diploma 64 credits

Major Description

The Interior Design program prepares students to enter the interior design profession. The student will develop skills and knowledge to design functional and aesthetically pleasing environments that enhance the quality of life while protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public. Students use design theories, interior materials, building codes, manual and computer aided drafting, 3-dimensional drawings, and sustainable design approaches to develop and prepare design solutions for residential, kitchen and bath, and commercial projects.

Nature of Work

An interior designer works with clients using the design process, which begins with programming (analyzing the project requirements), schematic and design development (spatial arrangement, selections of materials and furnishings) and ends with contract documentation (construction drawings and specifications) and project administration. The design disciplines offer a variety of positions that are stimulating and challenging, creating solutions that are developed to meet client goals and budget parameters.

Career Opportunities

This program prepares graduates to work with interior design professionals in a residential or commercial firm, along with several other design positions available in the industry.

Program Delivery

Students can begin this program in the Fall semester only. A day and evening program are offered. Full- or part-time starts are available.

After DCTC

DCTC has transfer agreements for this program with the following colleges: Bemidji State University, Metropolitan State University, Southwest Minnesota State University and Saint Mary's University. See Career Services for more information.

Accreditation

The Interior Design program is currently accredited by CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation) at the professional level. CIDA is an accreditation body within the interior design profession to assess, develop and define standards for academic programs and to assure excellence in interior design education in order to reflect the needs of the profession and the consumer.

The Interior Design program is also endorsed by The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). NKBA establishes requirements to assure quality education for students who desire to become kitchen/bathroom design professionals. Students that complete an NKBA Endorsed Program and a monitored internship/work experience in the Kitchen/Bath industry will qualify to receive recognition of achievement from the NKBA.

Professional Organizations

Students in the Interior Design major may participate as student members in five professional organizations. These organizations include: American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA), International Interior Design Association (IIDA), National Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH) and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). Participation in any or all of these organizations increases the student's professional knowledge and awareness of the interior design field while providing an opportunity to network with professionals in the community. Students attend conferences, participate in showroom tours, attend local markets at International Market Square and speaker presentations. In addition, participating in local committees of professional organizations, being student board representatives, and participating in student competitions provide strong communication and networking skills.

Student Outcomes

1. Students completing the Interior Design program will be prepared for employment in the Residential, Commercial, and Kitchen & Bath professions.
2. Graduates will obtain work experience through the internship course.
3. The Interior Design program has established general education coursework in compliance with the MnTC (Minnesota Transfer Curriculum) to meet accreditation agencies recommended guidelines.
4. Graduates of the A.A.S. degree will fulfill the educational requirements for eligibility to take the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) exam. This path may allow graduates to pursue state credentials as a certified or licensed interior designer.
   

Faculty

Related Programs:

• Architectural Technology
• General Education