Interior Design

Curriculum

The following are the required courses for this major. Students meet with the Education Department to create a personalized academic plan. Transfer credits, placement tests, changes in curriculum, and other factors help determine which courses must be taken prior to graduation.

Click on the green tab to see curriculum for each degree. Click on a course title to expand and read the course description.

  • Associate of Arts (A.A.)
  • Associate of Arts Professional Designation (A.A.)
  • GNST 1040
    English Composition
    Units: 3
    In this process-oriented course, students combine deep, disciplined research with careful writing and revision to produce a thoughtful, creative, and personally meaningful research essay. They learn to formulate focused research questions, identify and investigate credible sources, and synthesize expert opinion with their own insight in support of a clearly defined, complex thesis. The emphasis is on curiosity, exploration, and discovery. As part of the process, students also gain confidence and competency in two primary areas of written expression: organization and mechanics.
    GNST 1230
    Color & Design Theory
    Units: 3
    An introductory study of the principles and elements of color and design theory. Students critique aspects of a visual representation by analyzing the components of design and the use of color by the artist.
    GNST 1420
    Historic Textiles
    Units: 3
    A survey of textiles from pre-Columbian, Coptic, Sassanian, Persian, Egyptian, and Peruvian through 20th century Art Deco. Emphasis is placed on the ability to analyze pattern development, materials, and constructions from historic periods. Students research how political, social, and environmental factors influence textile patterns.
    GNST 1600
    Effective Speaking
    Units: 3
    A course in oral communication designed to give students poise, speaking confidence, and the ability to develop and produce a focused, well-organized speech that holds the audiences attention through effective delivery methods. Presentational skills and audience-centered communication are emphasized.
    GNST 1650
    Critical Thinking
    Units: 3
    Designed to foster independent thinking, this course strengthens students capacity to reason clearly, critically, and creatively, including the ability (1) to analyze the arguments of others, (2) to synthesize effective arguments of their own, and (3) to solve problems skillfully. Students also gain experience in reading closely and conducting purposeful, imaginative researchskills essential to the examination of demanding social, moral, political, and personal issues. Prerequisite: GNST 1040
    GNST 2080
    Human Factors in Design
    Units: 3
    Through analysis and research of a range of practical environmental and industrial design problems, students formulate design solutions, articulate the design process, and make presentations.
    GNST 2960
    American Political & Economic History
    Units: 3
    A survey of American history from 1930-2000. Emphasis is on the political and economic features, both domestic and foreign, that contributed to the emergence of the welfare state and the nations rise to global leadership after World War II. The course provides an understanding of the Great Depression, the Second World War, the Cold War, Americas eventual emergence as the worlds only superpower, and the interrelation of all these factors.
    GNST 2980
    Professional Practices
    Units: 3
    To become more self-reliant and enterprising in the job search, students investigate career opportunities and the career path, personal traits, job responsibilities, and qualifications necessary to be competitive and promotable. Students build research tools that enable them to develop a plan of action, conduct informational interviews, practice interviewing skills, and produce a digitized professional resume, biographical statement, and cover letter for immediate submission to prospective employers.
    INTD 1000A
    Sketching Techniques I
    Units: 3
    An introduction to the basic techniques of representative drawings using pencil and value markers.  Students sketch and critique still-life settings in class and exterior spaces on field trips. Emphasis is placed on students ability to produce representational drawings within a short time frame. Studio.
    INTD 1000B
    Sketching Techniques II
    Units: 3
    Building upon basic drawing techniques, the students continue development of quick sketch and perspective techniques. This course focuses on the fundamentals of developing volume, depth, and three-dimension in two-dimensional drawing with emphasis on producing drawings in a short time frame. Studio. Prerequisite: INTD 1000A
    INTD 1090A
    Technical Drawing I
    Units: 3
    An introduction to the principles and techniques of orthogonal drawing for the interior designer. Students learn to understand and create plan, elevation, section, and detail views of objects and spaces. Students learn to correctly produce drawings using the conventions of architectural technical drawing including: scale, line weights, line types, lettering, annotations and dimensions, call-outs, schedules and title blocks. Studio.
    INTD 1090B
    Technical Drawing II
    Units: 3
    This course focuses on understanding the concepts of computer-aided design and drafting, and learning the various applications of AutoCAD. Development of vocabulary and basic skills. Prerequisite: INTD 1090A
    INTD 1090C
    Technical Drawing III
    Units: 3
    A continuation and further development of the skills needed to produce computer-aided drawings. The students gain a working knowledge of the application of the design process by producing sets of contract documents, including formatting, and cross-referencing drawings. Prerequisite: INTD 1090B
    INTD 1220
    Design Process
    Units: 3
    Study of the progression from inspiration to execution in the design process. Analysis of the techniques used to resolve aesthetic relationships with two- and three-dimensional objects.
    INTD 1350
    Survey of Architecture & Interior Design I
    Units: 3
    This is a survey of the historical styles of architecture, furniture, and interiors from Egypt through the early 19th century.  The course is designed to introduce students to the concepts and terminology related to historical styles.
    INTD 1380
    Design Topics
    Units: 3
    This course introduces current and relevant design issues and topics. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of a selection of design topics to include sustainable design, aging- in- place and universal design and their impact on design solutions.
    INTD 1450
    Residential Design Concepts
    Units: 3
    Study of residential space planning and utilization of interior space as applied to functional and aesthetic requirements.  Emphasis is on schematic and quick presentation work for both plans and elevations.  Students apply anthropometric and ergonomic principles in space planning. Prerequisite: INTD 1090A
    INTD 1480
    Computer Graphics I
    Units: 3
    An introduction to the design and production of presentation graphics and layouts for interior design applications. Students learn and demonstrate skills in creating effective presentations incorporating a variety of visual media including text, photos, drawings and other graphics. Students learn and demonstrate competent production skills in Adobe Illustrator software to create images, graphics, renderings, illustrations, compositions, and layouts.
    INTD 1650
    Survey of Architecture & Interior Design II
    Units: 3
    A survey of the historical styles of architecture, furniture, and interiors from the 19th century to the 21st century.  The course is designed to introduce students to the concepts and terminology related to historical styles. Prerequisite: INTD 1350
    INTD 1850
    Commercial Design Concepts
    Units: 3
    A study of commercial space planning, methods of planning, design analysis, and problem-solving, and an introduction to regulatory issues, construction methods and techniques, materials, and furnishings. Students develop design and production skills, utilizing AutoCAD. Prerequisite: INTD 1090B
    INTD 1880
    Computer Graphics II
    Units: 3
    An introduction to the design and composition of presentation images, illustrations, and renderings for interior design applications. The course introduces students to the fundamental principles of Adobe Photoshop software both as a principle means of creating images and as part of a production environment incorporating hand-crafted imagery, Photoshop images, and images from other software environments (e.g., Adobe Illustrator and Autodesk AutoCAD).
    INTD 2000
    Lighting Design
    Units: 3
    Use and comprehend the technical and aesthetic principles of lighting design for commercial and residential applications. Understand basic properties of light as used in rendering, photography and computer-generated visualizations. Prerequisites: INTD 1090B
    INTD 2050
    Materials for Interior Design
    Units: 3
    Students are introduced to materials, finishes, and furnishings, with methods for understanding appropriate application, estimating, and specifications as they apply to residential and non-residential interior environments.
    INTD 2810
    Computer Graphics III
    Units: 3
    An introduction and survey of the technology of computer-generated 3-D imagery for interior design applications. Students work to produce a final project showing an understanding of the elements in 3-D production including modeling, texturing, lighting, composition, and rendering. Prerequisites: INTD 1090C, INTD 1480, INTD 1880
    INTD 2830
    Interior Design Thesis
    Units: 6
    A comprehensive project demonstrating residential and commercial themes in a mixed use format. Focusing on functional space planning and design, code requirements and material specifications, the students will prepare a proposal for a specific design project. Construction documentation and presentation drawings incorporating both hand and digital applications will culminate in a formal presentation suitable for portfolio. Studio Prerequisites: INTD 1090C, INTD 2000, INTD 2050, INTD 2810
    INTD 2930
    Business Practice for Interior Design
    Units: 3
    An exploration of the business practices necessary to develop and maintain an interior design firm. Topics include professional ethics, contract documents, vendor relations, association membership, marketing, networking and social media opportunities.
    INTD 2980
    Presentation & Portfolio
    Units: 3
    Students develop a portfolio format and incorporate prior course work into the portfolio. Design exercises in specification, representation of materials and renderings are emphasized to enhance a professional quality presentation. Studio. Prerequisite: INTD 1000B, INTD 2810
    TSCI 1750
    Textile Science for Interior Design
    Units: 3
    This course examines the textile processesfiber through finishing. Emphasis is placed on fiber, yarn, basic weaves, finishing, and dyeing. Students gain knowledge and experience in selecting appropriate fabrics for specific end uses in interiors. Students test fabrics to determine suitable performance levels related to those end uses.
    INTD
    Elective: Three one-unit courses or one three-unit course
    Units: 3

    Elective: Three one-unit courses or one three-unit course

    Total Units of Credit: 90
  • GNST 1230
    Color & Design Theory
    Units: 3
    An introductory study of the principles and elements of color and design theory. Students critique aspects of a visual representation by analyzing the components of design and the use of color by the artist.
    INTD 1000A
    Sketching Techniques I
    Units: 3
    An introduction to the basic techniques of representative drawings using pencil and value markers.  Students sketch and critique still-life settings in class and exterior spaces on field trips. Emphasis is placed on students ability to produce representational drawings within a short time frame. Studio.
    INTD 1000B
    Sketching Techniques II
    Units: 3
    Building upon basic drawing techniques, the students continue development of quick sketch and perspective techniques. This course focuses on the fundamentals of developing volume, depth, and three-dimension in two-dimensional drawing with emphasis on producing drawings in a short time frame. Studio. Prerequisite: INTD 1000A
    INTD 1090A
    Technical Drawing I
    Units: 3
    An introduction to the principles and techniques of orthogonal drawing for the interior designer. Students learn to understand and create plan, elevation, section, and detail views of objects and spaces. Students learn to correctly produce drawings using the conventions of architectural technical drawing including: scale, line weights, line types, lettering, annotations and dimensions, call-outs, schedules and title blocks. Studio.
    INTD 1090B
    Technical Drawing II
    Units: 3
    This course focuses on understanding the concepts of computer-aided design and drafting, and learning the various applications of AutoCAD. Development of vocabulary and basic skills. Prerequisite: INTD 1090A
    INTD 1090C
    Technical Drawing III
    Units: 3
    A continuation and further development of the skills needed to produce computer-aided drawings. The students gain a working knowledge of the application of the design process by producing sets of contract documents, including formatting, and cross-referencing drawings. Prerequisite: INTD 1090B
    INTD 1220
    Design Process
    Units: 3
    Study of the progression from inspiration to execution in the design process. Analysis of the techniques used to resolve aesthetic relationships with two- and three-dimensional objects.
    INTD 1350
    Survey of Architecture & Interior Design I
    Units: 3
    This is a survey of the historical styles of architecture, furniture, and interiors from Egypt through the early 19th century.  The course is designed to introduce students to the concepts and terminology related to historical styles.
    INTD 1380
    Design Topics
    Units: 3
    This course introduces current and relevant design issues and topics. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of a selection of design topics to include sustainable design, aging- in- place and universal design and their impact on design solutions.
    INTD 1450
    Residential Design Concepts
    Units: 3
    Study of residential space planning and utilization of interior space as applied to functional and aesthetic requirements.  Emphasis is on schematic and quick presentation work for both plans and elevations.  Students apply anthropometric and ergonomic principles in space planning. Prerequisite: INTD 1090A
    INTD 1480
    Computer Graphics I
    Units: 3
    An introduction to the design and production of presentation graphics and layouts for interior design applications. Students learn and demonstrate skills in creating effective presentations incorporating a variety of visual media including text, photos, drawings and other graphics. Students learn and demonstrate competent production skills in Adobe Illustrator software to create images, graphics, renderings, illustrations, compositions, and layouts.
    INTD 1650
    Survey of Architecture & Interior Design II
    Units: 3
    A survey of the historical styles of architecture, furniture, and interiors from the 19th century to the 21st century.  The course is designed to introduce students to the concepts and terminology related to historical styles. Prerequisite: INTD 1350
    INTD 1850
    Commercial Design Concepts
    Units: 3
    A study of commercial space planning, methods of planning, design analysis, and problem-solving, and an introduction to regulatory issues, construction methods and techniques, materials, and furnishings. Students develop design and production skills, utilizing AutoCAD. Prerequisite: INTD 1090B
    INTD 1880
    Computer Graphics II
    Units: 3
    An introduction to the design and composition of presentation images, illustrations, and renderings for interior design applications. The course introduces students to the fundamental principles of Adobe Photoshop software both as a principle means of creating images and as part of a production environment incorporating hand-crafted imagery, Photoshop images, and images from other software environments (e.g., Adobe Illustrator and Autodesk AutoCAD).
    INTD 2000
    Lighting Design
    Units: 3
    Use and comprehend the technical and aesthetic principles of lighting design for commercial and residential applications. Understand basic properties of light as used in rendering, photography and computer-generated visualizations. Prerequisites: INTD 1090B
    INTD 2050
    Materials for Interior Design
    Units: 3
    Students are introduced to materials, finishes, and furnishings, with methods for understanding appropriate application, estimating, and specifications as they apply to residential and non-residential interior environments.
    INTD 2810
    Computer Graphics III
    Units: 3
    An introduction and survey of the technology of computer-generated 3-D imagery for interior design applications. Students work to produce a final project showing an understanding of the elements in 3-D production including modeling, texturing, lighting, composition, and rendering. Prerequisites: INTD 1090C, INTD 1480, INTD 1880
    INTD 2830
    Interior Design Thesis
    Units: 6
    A comprehensive project demonstrating residential and commercial themes in a mixed use format. Focusing on functional space planning and design, code requirements and material specifications, the students will prepare a proposal for a specific design project. Construction documentation and presentation drawings incorporating both hand and digital applications will culminate in a formal presentation suitable for portfolio. Studio Prerequisites: INTD 1090C, INTD 2000, INTD 2050, INTD 2810
    INTD 2930
    Business Practice for Interior Design
    Units: 3
    An exploration of the business practices necessary to develop and maintain an interior design firm. Topics include professional ethics, contract documents, vendor relations, association membership, marketing, networking and social media opportunities.
    INTD 2980
    Presentation & Portfolio
    Units: 3
    Students develop a portfolio format and incorporate prior course work into the portfolio. Design exercises in specification, representation of materials and renderings are emphasized to enhance a professional quality presentation. Studio. Prerequisite: INTD 1000B, INTD 2810
    TSCI 1750
    Textile Science for Interior Design
    Units: 3
    This course examines the textile processesfiber through finishing. Emphasis is placed on fiber, yarn, basic weaves, finishing, and dyeing. Students gain knowledge and experience in selecting appropriate fabrics for specific end uses in interiors. Students test fabrics to determine suitable performance levels related to those end uses.
    INTD
    Elective: Three one-unit courses or one three-unit course
    Units: 3

    Elective: Three one-unit courses or one three-unit course

    Total Units of Credit: 66

Some programs offered may require completion of a second year at the Los Angeles or San Francisco campus. Please contact the campus for details.

Featured Grad

Brandon Love

Interior Designer for the international architectural design firm responsible for the W Hotel in New York City.
Read more about this grad

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