Interior Design

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Interior Design prepares students to work in an entry-level interior design position. The program provides both general and interior design education, which includes design, color theory and application, architectural and furniture history, drafting and computer aided design (CAD) for interior design, space planning, interior materials, rendering, and basic codes and regulations. Studio projects allow students to identify, research, solve, and present design problems. Certificates of Completion (CCL) in areas of specialization are also available and embedded within the AAS.

The AAS in Interior Design transfers to Northern Arizona University Bachelor of Science (BS) in Interior Design. NAU will accept up to 73 credits as part of this degree program. Please speak with an NAU transfer specialist for details about this transfer option.

Details

Field of Interest
Visual and Performing Arts
Degree Type
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Plan
Interior Design (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
3191
Total credits required
65-73
Catalog Year
2023-2024
Effective Term
Fall 2022
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.

This program replaced:
AAS/3093 Interior Design
AAS/3122 Interior Design

What You'll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

  1. Synthesize global design perspectives with consideration of social, cultural, economic, and ecological contexts to solve interior design problems.
  2. Apply all aspects of the design process to creatively solve design problems.
  3. Plan complete design solutions that integrate furnishings, fixtures, finishes, and equipment.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of history of interiors, architecture, decorative arts, art, and related theories when solving design problems.
  5. Evaluate principles and theories of light and color, acoustics, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, space planning, and human factors in relation to environmental impact and human well-being.
  6. Synthesize information gathered through research to generate evidence-based design solutions.
  7. Integrate knowledge of environmentally responsible and sustainable practices to solve design problems.
  8. Coordinate the schematic design of the built environment utilizing laws, codes, standards, and guidelines of interior construction and systems.
  9. Express ideas and their rationale according to architecture and interior design standards through visual media including ideation, sketches, drawings, renderings, and plans.
  10. Collaborate with individuals and institutions across diverse disciplines to solve design problems.
  11. Communicate with diverse audiences in varied settings and formats in a culturally responsive manner.
  12. Integrate criticism in an effective manner to refine design solutions.
  13. Comply with industry accepted professional ethics and conduct.
  14. Promote the impact of design on the human experience and the professional value interior designers provide in local, national, and global contexts.
  15. Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.

Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Facilities Managers

$92,848

Interior Designers

$56,012

* Career and wage information provided by Emsi using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Emsi’s proprietary analytical processes. Emsi’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

  • Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Pathway Planner tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
  • The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
  • Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
  • Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
  • Consult with your faculty mentor or academic advisor to determine educational requirements, including possible university transfer options, for your chosen career field.

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ENG101 or
ENG107		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL Critical course FYC 3
MAT14+ College Mathematics Critical course Or equivalent or higher level mathematics course. MA 3–6
INT105 Introduction to Interior Design Gateway course Courses may be accelerated based on the schedule at your campus. See an academic advisor or program director for details. 3
INT100 or
INT122		 Interior Design Drafting or Digital Visualization for Design INT100 for PC. INT122 for SCC. 3
INT140 Introduction to CAD for Interior Design May be taken in Term 1 OR Term 2: PC only

Courses may be accelerated based on the schedule at your campus. See an academic advisor or program director for details. 		0–3
INT145 or
(INT145AA and
INT145AB)		 Drawing and Rendering or (Sketching and Visualization and Rendering) 3
FYE101 or
FYE103		 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success 1–3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ENG102 or
ENG108		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC 3
CRE101 College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking OR equivalent as indicated by assessment L 0–3
COM100 or
COM110		 Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication COM110 recommended for students transferring to NAU. SB 3
INT115 Historical Architecture and Furniture H, HU 3
INT122 or
ARC141		 Digital Visualization for Design or Architectural CAD I: Introduction INT122 at PC. ARC141 (Critical Course) at SCC Only. 3
INT140 Introduction to CAD for Interior Design May be taken in Term 1 OR Term 2: PC only

Courses may be accelerated based on the schedule at your campus. See an academic advisor or program director for details. 		0–3
INT150 Color and Design 3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology SB 3
ARC142 Architectural CAD II: Plans and Elevations SCC only 3
INT120 Modern Architecture and Furniture HU 3
INT160 Fabrics for Interiors 3
INT175 Custom Design 3
INT190 Space Planning Critical course 3

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
SQ or
SG		 Natural Sciences Quantitative or Natural Sciences General Recommended: BIO108 OR GLG101/GLG103 OR FON241/FON241LL. SQ or SG 4
INT211 or
(INT211AA and
INT211AB)		 Interior Materials and Specifications or (Interior Materials and Material and Specifications) Critical course 3
INT215 Professional Practices 3
INT230 Presentation Techniques 3
INT222 or
INT240 or
(INT240AA and
INT240AB)		 Residential Design or Kitchen and Bath Design or (Bath Design and Kitchen Design) Critical course 3

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ENG101 or
ENG107		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL Critical course FYC 3
INT105 Introduction to Interior Design Gateway course Courses may be accelerated based on the schedule at your campus. See an academic advisor or program director for details. 3
INT140 Introduction to CAD for Interior Design May be taken in Term 1 OR Term 2: PC only

Courses may be accelerated based on the schedule at your campus. See an academic advisor or program director for details. 		0–3
FYE101 or
FYE103		 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success 1–3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
MAT14+ College Mathematics Critical course Or equivalent or higher level mathematics course. MA 3–6
INT100 or
INT122		 Interior Design Drafting or Digital Visualization for Design INT100 for PC. INT122 for SCC. 3
INT140 Introduction to CAD for Interior Design May be taken in Term 1 OR Term 2: PC only

Courses may be accelerated based on the schedule at your campus. See an academic advisor or program director for details. 		0–3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ENG102 or
ENG108		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC 3
CRE101 College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking OR equivalent as indicated by assessment L 0–3
INT115 Historical Architecture and Furniture H, HU 3

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
INT145 or
(INT145AA and
INT145AB)		 Drawing and Rendering or (Sketching and Visualization and Rendering) 3
COM100 or
COM110		 Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication COM110 recommended for students transferring to NAU. SB 3

Term 5

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
INT122 or
ARC141		 Digital Visualization for Design or Architectural CAD I: Introduction INT122 at PC. ARC141 (Critical Course) at SCC Only. 3
INT150 Color and Design 3

Term 6

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology SB 3
ARC142 Architectural CAD II: Plans and Elevations SCC only 3
INT120 Modern Architecture and Furniture HU 3

Term 7

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
INT160 Fabrics for Interiors 3
INT175 Custom Design 3

Term 8

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
INT190 Space Planning Critical course 3
SQ or
SG		 Natural Sciences Quantitative or Natural Sciences General Recommended: BIO108 OR GLG101/GLG103 OR FON241/FON241LL. SQ or SG 4

Term 9

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 9
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
INT211 or
(INT211AA and
INT211AB)		 Interior Materials and Specifications or (Interior Materials and Material and Specifications) Critical course 3
INT215 Professional Practices 3

Term 10

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 10
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
INT230 Presentation Techniques 3
INT222 or
INT240 or
(INT240AA and
INT240AB)		 Residential Design or Kitchen and Bath Design or (Bath Design and Kitchen Design) Critical course 3
Course Area Key

Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.

Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.

  • FYC = First Year Composition
  • H = Historical Awareness
  • HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
  • L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
  • MA = Mathematics
  • SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
  • SG = Natural Sciences General
  • SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

View MCCCD’s curriculum website for the Associate in Applied Science in Interior Design (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm13?id=176669).

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.

Previous Catalog Years

The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.

Previous catalog years for Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Interior Design