Interior Design

Turning Your Decorating Vision into Spatial Designs

Apply
  • calendar
    Program Duration: 2 Years
  • graduation cap
    Degree Type: Associate in Arts (A.A.)
  • clock
    Total Credit Hours: 64
Instructor shows students swatch samples.

About This Program

In the Interior Design program, you will learn how to plan a building layout; choose style and color palettes; select furniture, floor and window coverings; and determine lighting schemes for interior spaces. You will explore traditional and contemporary design styles; guidelines for using lighting and color; freehand, digital, technical and presentation drawing; design of space, color, texture; techniques for implementing clients’ wishes; legal and ethical considerations; and methods for communicating your ideas to clients and colleagues. The core courses you take together with Construction Management, Computer-Assisted Design, Facility Management and Architecture students will help you relate skills and specializations from various fields. Our experienced, supportive faculty will work with you to assemble a portfolio or website that showcases your abilities.

This program leads to the Associate in Arts degree in Interior Design, with graduates prepared to transfer to baccalaureate institutions. However, after graduation from the Community College of Philadelphia, students may choose to enter the work force as junior or assistant designers, or as materials librarians.

Quick Information
 

Apply Now

Transfer Opportunities

Bloomsburg University

Public university in central Pennsylvania offering diverse programs.

Eastern University

A private Christian university known for its faith-based education.

Jefferson University

Healthcare and science-focused institution in Philadelphia.

View all transfer opportunities

Program Entry Requirements

Interested high school students should complete a year of geometry, two years of algebra and two years in art-related areas (drawing, sculpture, photography or related areas). Mechanical drafting or Computer Assisted Design is also advantageous.

Students are required to satisfy placement at the time of admission. Students identified as needing developmental coursework must satisfactorily complete the appropriate English and mathematics courses prior to enrolling in courses required by the degree program.

General Education Requirements

All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College's general education requirements is also available.

* Students must complete ADC 101 and ADC 103 to meet the Technological Competency requirement.
** Students should select Mathematics and Science courses at CCP that correspond with the requirements of the institution to which they intend to transfer.

Program of Study and Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the A.A. degree in Interior Design, a student must complete a minimum of 64 credits as prescribed, and attain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 ("C" average).

Student and Teacher choosing from material samples and smiling

Launch Your Career in Interior Design

  • Furniture Finisher – est. salary  $37,441
  • Interior Designer – est. salary  $63,343*
  • Set and Exhibit Designer $62,636
**EMSI Data, 2022; The greater Philadelphia region; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher. 

Career Outlook

$63,343

Median Salary of an Interior Designer

424

Number of Jobs in the Region

+6.6%

10-year Job Outlook in the Region for First-Line Supervisors of Interior Designers

Featured Career

Interior Designer

Plan, design, and furnish interiors of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. Formulate design which is practical, aesthetic, and conducive to intended purposes, such as raising productivity, selling merchandise, or improving life style. Maynts of mechanics, installers and repairers.

Starting Pay: $34,591

Woman holds fabric swatches under a light.

Typical Tasks

  • Confer with client to determine factors affecting planning interior environments, such as budget, architectural preferences, and purpose and function.
  • Advise client on interior design factors such as space planning, layout and use of furnishings or equipment, and color coordination.
  • Coordinate with other professionals, such as contractors, architects, engineers, and plumbers, to ensure job success.
  • Review and detail shop drawings for construction plans.
  • Estimate material requirements and costs, and present design to client for approval.