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Dec 06, 2025
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2025-2026 Arapahoe Community College Catalog
Interior Design AAS - Academic Plan
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Total Credits = 71
The Interior Design Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree provides students with a comprehensive foundation in both the creative and technical aspects of interior design. The curriculum emphasizes design communication, space planning, materials and finishes, and construction documentation using industry-standard software. Students develop the ability to design functional, code-compliant spaces that meet client needs and align with sustainable and inclusive design practices.
Coursework explores a range of specialties, including residential, commercial, and kitchen and bath design, preparing students for diverse professional roles within the interior design field. Graduates are equipped to create designs that balance aesthetics, functionality, and the well-being of the people who use the spaces they design.
Transfer Opportunities:
Graduates of the Interior Design AAS degree may continue their education through established partnerships and articulation agreements. Students may transfer to Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design (RMCAD) to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design, or to Front Range Community College (FRCC) to earn a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Integrated Building Design.
Professional Credentialing Opportunities
- NCIDQ Certification (Council for Interior Design Qualification)
Graduates of the Interior Design AAS degree are eligible to take the first of three NCIDQ exams—the Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX)—immediately after graduation. The remaining two exams, the Interior Design Professional Exam (IDPX) and the Practicum (PRAC), may be taken after completing three years (or 5,280 hours) of verified professional interior design experience.
This globally recognized credential represents the benchmark of professional competence in the field and measures advanced knowledge of codes, building systems, and design standards that protect public health, safety, and welfare.
Learn more about NCIDQ eligibility and exam pathways on the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ) website.
- CKBD Certification (National Kitchen & Bath Association)
Graduates of the Interior Design AAS degree are also eligible to pursue the Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer (CKBD) credential through the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). The certification process includes a comprehensive examination and a professional design portfolio submission demonstrating applied knowledge in kitchen and bath design.
Learn more about CKBD eligibility and portfolio requirements on the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) website.
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Program Outcomes
- Apply critical analysis and creative problem-solving to develop design solutions that effectively address client needs.
- Conduct in-depth research on complex design challenges and incorporate findings into comprehensive design solutions.
- Exhibit a professional work ethic and demonstrate the value of a designer through effective communication and problem-solving.
- Demonstrate knowledge of essential business practices within the Interior Design industry, including ethical and profitable design approaches.
- Present design concepts professionally, showcasing both verbal and visual presentation skills.
- Develop and refine skills to produce industry-standard, high-quality interior design projects.
- Integrate current product knowledge and materials to tailor design solutions to client needs.
Prerequisites, Corequisites, and Recommendations
Where requirements are listed as course categories (e.g. Electives, Arts/Humanities) rather than as specific courses, please note that depending upon course choice, prerequisites may be required. *Grade C or better required Recommended Course Sequence (Full-Time)
Recommended Course Sequence (Part-Time)
Year 3 - Summer
Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Course, 3 credits Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Course, 3 credits Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Course, 3 credits Notes
- *This course requires college-level readiness as measured by Accuplacer, ACT, or SAT scores; approved high school course work that is less than five years old; or successful completion of the appropriate college-readiness course.
- AAA 1001 – College 101: Student Experience is required for all new college students seeking degrees or transfer.
- Course availability is subject to change.
- In order to meet program requirements, students registered for ENG 1021 or ENG 1031 must also register for ENG 0094 unless they can demonstrate otherwise meeting the ENG 0094 standard through assessment testing, prior college coursework, or recent High School coursework. See an Advisor for details.
- Major Elective: Select one (1) Interior Design Elective from: CAD 2210 , CAD 2220 , IND 2075 , IND 2502 , IND 2080 , or MAR 1011 . Recommended courses are listed above for certain electives; consult with the Academic Advising Office (advising@arapahoe.edu or 303.797.5664) or the Interior Design Department for additional elective recommendations.
- Refer to 2024/2025 catalog for specific requirements and important information about this degree.
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