AA in Interior Design
Duration
24–48 months
Units
90 quarter units
Tuition
$39,900
Accreditation
ACCSC
Overview
About the AA in Interior Design
Two years to fluency in the language of design. This is where you stop admiring interiors and start creating them. Build technical skills in drafting, codes, and construction — then channel them into residential projects that feel as good as they look. You'll graduate speaking the industry's language and designing its future.
Quick Facts
- Degree
- Associate of Arts
- Duration
- 24–48 months
- Credit Units
- 90 quarter units (60 semester equivalent)
Curriculum
Course Catalog
22 courses covering the full breadth of interior design.
125
Designing Phase I
Beginning lecture course consisting of lectures on the beginning design concepts in designing a home and on the selection of materials and finishes for a home. There are field trips to design centers and guest speakers who offer first-hand knowledge with inside tips and personal experience.
126
Designing Phase II
A beginning studio where a student is taken through the steps of designing a home from initial spaceplanning, furniture selection, window treatments, fabrics and flooring materials to the final concept.
200
Architectural Drafting
Drafting skills and blueprint reading. Emphasis is placed on the structural aspects of residential and commercial blueprints.
201
History of Interiors and Architecture I
Study of the history of both interiors and architecture from the Egyptian period to the 1900's.
202
History of Interiors and Architecture II
Study of the history of both interiors and architecture from the 1900's to the present.
203
Residential Design
Assignment of a studio project in the residential field utilizing programming, schematic design and design development with emphasis on the spatial envelope. Students will specify all materials for the living space and complete the project by preparing a model and boards.
205
Commercial Design I
Assignment of a studio project in the commercial field. Lectures will be given for support information on various types of commercial installations. Students will complete the project by preparing a model and boards.
206
Commercial Design II
Students will study commercial design with emphasis on office systems, ergonomic seating and construction documents.
207
Materials Specification
An extensive review of materials characteristics. Students will evaluate, select, and specify materials. Students learn how to communicate with suppliers and vendors to achieve top results and avoid common pitfalls in material specifications.
208
Construction Principles
Study of building techniques used in today's building industry. Emphasis is placed on plumbing, electrical, heating and architect/interior design relations. Vocabulary used in the industry will be studied.
209
Design Thinking
A course exploring three-dimensional design principles. Through sketching and model building, the class analyzes form, spatial ordering and circulation systems.
210
Color
In-depth study of color and its psychological effect on the environment. Color systems will be studied in detail.
212
Perspective
Students will learn one- and two-point perspective and other visual rendering techniques.
215
Spaceplanning
A series of spaceplanning projects are assigned. Speed and accuracy of spaceplanning are stressed. Lecture to accompany the class on space allowance specifications.
216
SketchUp
Introduction to SketchUp. SketchUp is a 3D modelling CAD software program. SketchUp allows the creation of a large number of 3D models, and is used for professional interior design projects.
217
Business Principles
A detailed study of the principles for management of an independent design studio. All business procedures will be researched.
218
Textiles
Exploration of the world of textiles, fibers and their purchase and manufacturing. Resources for textile purchase also will be studied.
220
Healthcare Design
Study of the design of health care facilities. The class is part lecture and part studio with a set of working portfolio boards completed for the final. Specification writing is also covered.
221
Photoshop
Learn skills required for production of digital presentation boards, management of image files, printing and integration of AutoCAD into image files.
222
Building Codes
An overview of building codes required in commercial installations.
223
Environmental Design
Study of sustainable environments, quality of life issues and the "smart house" — use of computers and electronics in buildings.
225
Computer-Aided Drafting I
Introduction to architectural computer drafting with emphasis on interior design, using AutoCAD software and Windows.
Tuition & Fees
Cost Breakdown
All charges are clearly outlined below. Financial aid may be available for qualifying students.
Total Charges
Tuition
$39,900
Registration Fee (non-refundable)
$100
Books & Supplies (Estimated)
$2,500
STRF Fee
$0
Computer Lab Fees
$600
TOTAL CHARGES
$40,600
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST
$43,100
Payment Schedule
Full-Time (5 terms)
16 units/term · 5 terms
$7,980/term
3/4 Time (7 terms)
12 units/term · 7 terms
$5,985/term
Part-Time (10 terms)
8 units/term · 10 terms
$3,990/term
Payment Options
Pay As You Go - Per Term Payment
Payment in full due one month before class starts or three payments due one month before class starts and first and second month thereafter.
Federal Financial Aid
Title IV financial aid is available for students who qualify. Contact the Financial Aid office for details.
Important Notes
- Registration fee of $100 is non-refundable.
- Computer Lab Fees: $200 each x 3 = $600.
- Books & Supplies (Estimated) $2,500 — purchased via third party.
- Total charges: Tuition $39,900 + Registration $100 + Lab Fees $600 = $40,600.
- Full-Time: 4 classes @ $1,995 each = $7,980 per term.
- 3/4 Time: 3 classes @ $1,995 each = $5,985 per term.
- Part-Time: 2 classes @ $1,995 each = $3,990 per term.
- Payments may be paid in full or split into 3 monthly payments.
- Financial aid available for those who qualify.
- If a student obtains a loan to pay for an educational program, the student will have the responsibility to repay the full amount of the loan plus interest, less the amount of any refund. If the student has received federal student financial aid funds, the student is entitled to a refund of the moneys not paid from the federal student financial aid program funds. For students receiving federal funds please refer to Student Enrollment Agreement for Title IV refund policy.
Career Paths
Where This Program Takes You
Career outcomes are not guaranteed and depend on individual qualifications, experience, and market conditions.
Disclosures
Important Information
Credit Transferability
The transferability of credits you earn at Interior Designers Institute is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the degree, diploma, or certificate you earn is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the credits or degree, diploma, or certificate that you earn at this institution are not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all of your coursework at that institution. For this reason you should make certain that your attendance at this institution will meet your educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which you may seek to transfer after attending Interior Designers Institute to determine if your credits or degree, diploma, or certificate will transfer.
Required Disclosure Documents
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