# Interior Design (Associate of Science Degree)

San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Interior Design

Source: https://sdccd.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/17540/18643/18644/17541/17636

### Summary

The Associate of Science Degree in Interior Design provides students with comprehensive skills and knowledge in core competencies to meet professional standards that promote the health, safety, and welfare of the public. An A.S. graduate will have enhanced career opportunities through the creation of a more comprehensive, skills-based portfolio, be a more competitive candidate for entry-level employment, and fulfill the educational requirements to sit for the California Council of Interior Design Certification (CCIDC) IDEX® for the state of California and National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exams. \*Students are advised to research the most current Interior Design certification and legislation requirements if they plan to practice outside of California upon graduation.

This degree is part of the interior design program, and offers a comprehensive and professionally relevant curriculum in the field of interior design. The program offers a comprehensive and professionally relevant curriculum in the dynamic, collaborative and evolutionary field of Interior Design. It includes foundational technical knowledge and skills, creative problem solving, sustainable solutions, critical thinking and professional practice. The program exposes students to industry organizations, such as ASID, IIDA and NKBA, providing them with professional connections and continuing education opportunities. The program is affiliated with the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). The A.S. degree is recommended for students planning to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam or the California Council of Interior Design Certification (CCIDC) IDEX® exam. For more information on the program, career applications, and suggested course sequence, visit our website at https://www.sdmesa.edu/academics/v2/programs/interior-design/.

**Award Note:**
The Associate Degree requires a minimum of 60 degree applicable semester units.

**Learning Outcome(s): Students who complete the Interior Design Program will be able to:**

1.  Communicate with other professional members of the built environment demonstrating their specialized knowledge of interior construction, building codes, equipment, materials and furnishings, and sustainable and universal design principles.
2.  Apply critical and design thinking to identify and creatively solve problems relating to the function, aesthetics and quality of the interior environment enhancing the health, safety and welfare of the public.
3.  Perform services relative to interior spaces, including gathering information, programming, space planning, and the creation of drawings and specifications using current technology and practices.
4.  Demonstrate knowledge of professional and ethical practices in the field of Interior Design as well as exhibit awareness and an appreciation of cultural diversity regionally, nationally and globally. Demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively within the design community.

### Requirements

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR:** | | 45 |
| ARTF 152 | Color Theory | 3 |
| INTE 101 | Introduction to Interior Design | 3 |
| INTE 105 | Residential Design | 3 |
| INTE 110 | Materials and Resources | 3 |
| INTE 112A | Visual Communication I | 3 |
| INTE 112B | Visual Communication II | 3 |
| INTE 115 | Elements and Principles of Interior Design | 3 |
| INTE 120 | Revit for Interiors | 3 |
| or INTE 135 | AutoCAD for Interiors | 3 |
| INTE 125 | History of Furniture and Interiors | 3 |
| INTE 130 | Interior Design Professional Practice | 3 |
| INTE 145 | Interior Building Systems and Codes | 3 |
| INTE 200 | Kitchen and Bath Design | 3 |
| INTE 205 | Non-Residential Space Planning | 3 |
| INTE 210 | Presentation and Color Rendering | 3 |
| INTE 215 | Environmental Lighting Design | 3 |
| **Select 15 - 17 units (five courses) from the following:** | | 15-17 |
| INTE 120 | Revit for Interiors | 3 |
| INTE 135 | AutoCAD for Interiors | 3 |
| INTE 270 | Work Experience | 3-4 |
| ARCH 101 | Archicad | 3 |
| ARCH 113 | Rhino for Architecture | 3 |
| ARCH 127 | History of World Architecture: Renaissance Through Contemporary | 3 |
| ARCH 130 | Materials of Construction | 3 |
| ARCH 231 | Sustainability in the Built Environment | 4 |
| ARTF 161A | Museum Studies/Gallery Exhibition Skills I | 3 |
| CMGT 110 | Construction Plan Reading | 3 |
| CMGT 125 | Building Codes and Zoning | 3 |
| CMGT 205 | Estimating | 3 |
| BUSE 140 | Business Law and the Legal Environment | 3 |
| BUSE 155 | Small Business Management | 3 |
| COMM C1000 | Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 |
| MARK 100 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| MULT 100 | Introduction to Visual Communication | 3 |