Interior Design

Love the space you’re in? From homes to offices to hospitals to restaurants, our feelings, our productivity, and even our health, are influenced for better or worse by our interior environment. The interior designer must bring beauty, comfort and function together to design spaces that work for the people who live, work and play in them. If you picture yourself in a career where creativity, skill and psychology come together, the Interior Design program at OCC is a place to start. If you’re a working professional already in the field, add a new dimension to your practice by completing a specialization certificate. Earn a certificate or degree and go to work, or transfer to a bachelor’s program and continue your education. Either way, you can design your future at OCC. Read on to learn more.

A sampling of courses for these careers

Interior Design Studio
Architectural Drawing & Design Visualization
Color & Design: Two-Dimensional

History of Interior Architecture and Furnishings
Space Planning
Fundamentals of Lighting

see course catalog

Three female interior designers decide on color options

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Did you know?

Many interior designers work for the specialized design services industry or for the architectural, engineering, and related services industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2016, about 1 in 5 interior designers were self-employed.

Program Details

Complete one of our certificate programs, and you’ll be well-prepared to enter a career in interior design.

Build upon your skills if you’re already employed in the field. Or earn an associate degree for even greater advancement opportunities.

See Evening, Weekend and Online Courses

In less than 2 years
you can earn:
Certificate of Achievement

Interior Merchandising - Level 1

Prepare for an entry-level position in retail furnishing and merchandising. Gain a working knowledge of the design process, principles and elements of design, materials and products and application of color theories. This program prepares you for the Level 2 Interior Design associate degree. View program detail in course catalog.

Interior Design Professional -
Level 3

Build upon your Level 2 Interior Design Assistant knowledge and prepare for an entry-level position as a professional interior designer and prepare to pursue industry certifications. A Level 2 Interior Design Associate in Science degree is a prerequisite for this program. View program detail in course catalog.

Build on your certificate
of achievement with a:
Certificate of Specialization

Kitchen & Bath - Advanced

Build upon your Level 2 Interior Design Assistant knowledge and prepare for an entry-level position as a specialized kitchen and bath designer. You also will be prepared to pursue industry certifications. View program detail in course catalog.

Or earn your
associate degree
in under 4 years

Interior Design Assistant - Level 2

Build on your Level 1 certificate and prepare for an entry-level position as an interior design assistant to a professional interior designer through this associate-degree program. Learn about design history, space planning, drafting, illustration, computer applications, selection and specification of materials and more. View program detail in course catalog.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I enroll and register for classes?

To enroll in a Career Advantage program, you must first apply for admission to Orange Coast College. To apply, go to the Admissions Application Information webpage and review the information and requirements for admission. A link at the bottom of that page will take you to the CCCApply website, where you will be prompted to create an account so you can begin the application process.

How much does it cost?

Classes cost $46 per unit for residents of California. Classes vary in their unit value, but an average 3-unit class costs $138. There are additional fees required to register and additional costs associated with each program. Click here to view the estimated total costs of the program in this career cluster.

How long does it take?

View this chart for the length of the core program.

Are classes offered online, evenings and weekends?

This program offers evening courses. For details about offerings in this program, speak to a counselor or consult the class schedule. The class schedule tool searches through all Orange Coast College course offerings and includes a filter for online classes.

How can I talk with a counselor?

You can make an appointment in person, online or by phone. Click here for more information about Counseling Services and how to make an appointment.

I have more questions. Where can I get more information?

For general questions about enrollment, availability of classes and other services for prospective and current OCC students, call The Answer Center at 714-432-5772. For answers to specific questions you can speak to a counselor or to the faculty member listed on this program page.

Close up view of color and fabric swatches, scissors, colored pencils and magnifier

Brochure cover showing various interior design photos and designers looking at decorating options

Woman uses computer program to design a house’s furniture layout

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Did you know?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people who have a certificate as
their highest level of education earned, on average, 20 percent more than
those whose highest education level is a high school diploma.