Interior Design Preprofessional Degree, General Area of Concentration
Prepare to enter the exciting field of interior design with an associate of applied science degree from Montgomery College. You'll learn about all aspects of interior design, including drawing, color, and space planning; fabrics; lighting; and window, wall, and floor treatments.
Our students also gain an understanding of the professional business practices needed to succeed in the industry, like preparation of estimates and advanced presentation techniques, as well as technical skills like architectural drafting, design analysis, and kitchen, bath, structural, mechanical, and electrical systems.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Apply design principles, elements, and color theory in the execution of interior design projects.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the factors that influence the ethical, environmentally responsible, and professional specification of textiles, materials, finishes & furnishings.
- Collect and interpret appropriate information to solve interior design problems in keeping with the industry-recognized project process.
- Incorporate an understanding of the history of interior design, art, architecture, and decorative arts from western and non-western cultures into design solutions for interiors projects.
- Exhibit proficient visual, oral, and written communication essential to convey design solutions, employ design intentions, and manage the project process effectively.
- Express an understanding of the role and value of interior designers as essential collaborators within the building industry.
- Produce interior design solutions that are healthy, safe, pleasing, and functionally efficient demonstrating the value of interior design.
- Communicate an understanding of trade and business issues, and professional practice standards.
- Utilize essential drafting, drawing, visualization, and software skills to develop and execute design projects.
- Demonstrate an understanding of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to interior environments.
Program Advising
Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer. The program advising guide outlines the degree requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process.
- Interior Design Preprofessional General Area of Concentration AAS Program Advising
Guide (PDF,
) - Find a Program Advisor
Transfer Opportunities
MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer. The AAS General Area of Concentration degree is the foundation of the interior design program transfer relationships with Marymount Universitynew window, Morgan State Universitynew window, and George Washington Universitynew window.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested course sequence for students follows.
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Suggested Course Sequence
Students should complete the required English and Math foundation courses within the first 24 credit hours. A suggested course sequence for full-time students follows. All students should review the Program Advising Guide and consult an advisor.
First Semester
- ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours
- Mathematics Foundation 3 semester hours (MATF)
- IDES 101 - Interior Design I 3 semester hours
- IDES 107 - Interiors: Design Principles 3 semester hours
- IDES 110 - Interiors: Technical Drawing and Drafting 3 semester hours
Second Semester
- English Foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
- ARTT 100 - Introduction to Drawing 3 semester hours
- IDES 111 - Interior Design II 3 semester hours
- GDES 116 - Digital Tools for the Visual Arts 4 semester hours (GEEL)
- IDES 118 - Interior Design Visualization & Presentation 3 semester hours
Third Semester
- Program Elective 1 semester hour ‡‡
- IDES 123 - CAD Drafting for Interior Design 3 semester hours
- Program Elective 3 semester hours ‡‡
- IDES 221 - Interior Design: Residential 3 semester hours
- Natural Sciences Distribution with Lab 4 semester hours (NSLD)
Fourth Semester
- IDES 222 - Interior Design: Commercial/Contract 3 semester hours
- ARTT 201 - Art History: 1400 to Present 3 semester hours (ARTD or HUMD) **
- Behavioral and Social Sciences Distribution 3 semester hours (BSSD)
- Program Elective 6 semester hours ‡‡
* ENGL 101/ENGL 101A, if needed for ENGL 102/ENGL 103, or an elective.
** AAS programs require one 3-credit Arts or Humanities General Education course.
‡‡ Students should consult with interior design advisor before selecting program electives. Select program electives from the following disciplines: ANTH, ARCH, ARTT, BLDG, BSAD, COMM, CMGT, ENES, GDES, GEOG, HIST, HMGT, HORT, IDES, PHOT, PHIL, PHYS, PSYC, SOCY.
Related Programs and Courses
General Studies Degree
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Workforce Development and Continuing Education
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.
