Interior Design
Design your future with an Interior Design AAS degree, a Residential Kitchen and Bath Design Specialist certificate, or a CAD - Interior Design Certificate from Arapahoe Community College.
Are you someone who spots design possibilities in every room you walk into? Transform your knack for design into a professional career from ACC with an associate degree in Interior Design or a certificate in a design specialty. Gain the skills and education needed to become a qualified Interior Designer ready to delve into the residential, commercial, or hospitality design sectors after graduation. ACC's program equips you to take certification exams for interior design or kitchen and bath design post-graduation and with working industry experience. You can complete your interior design education at ACC through in-person classes, online courses, or a combination of the both.
Interior Design Program Information
Interior Design Onboarding
Interior Design Program Onboarding is required for all new and transfer students. Use the button below to schedule one of two onboarding days, both of which are hyflex (in-person or Zoom) options. Onboarding is offered before the Fall and Spring semesters begin.
CIP 500408 (IDES)
Since 1975, ACC's Interior Design Program has been shaping future design professionals, making it one of Colorado's oldest and most respected programs. With a strong reputation for quality education, ACC is a recognized leader in the state's interior design community. Interior designers are essential in creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and efficient.
At ACC, students are taught to develop their creative skills to bring their design visions to life while learning the essential processes and ethical practices needed for a successful career. They will explore various design niches, including residential, commercial, kitchen and bath, and more. The program focuses on preparing students to become professional designers who understand the balance between aesthetics, functionality, and responsible design practices, ensuring they are well-prepared to thrive in the dynamic world of interior design. The Interior Design program can be completed in 2.5 years, whether attending classes in-person, online, or a combination of both.
Concurrent Program Options
Students may choose to pursue multiple credentials concurrently. Many complete the Residential Kitchen & Bath Design Certificate and/or the CAD–Interior Design Certificate while earning the Interior Design AAS degree, since the courses are closely aligned. This approach supports specialization in residential, technical drafting, or kitchen and bath design, and can accelerate entry into the workforce.
Professional Credentialing
Graduates of ACC's Interior Design AAS degree are prepared to pursue professional certification that enhances career advancement and industry recognition. Students may qualify for the NCIDQ Certification through the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ) or the CKBD Certification through the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), depending on their area of focus. These credentials demonstrate advanced professional competence and a commitment to design excellence.
Admission Requirements
- Admission to Arapahoe Community College
- New and transfer students must attend an Interior Design Program Onboarding before beginning the program. A signup link for orientation is available on the Interior Design web page.
- Students should have been assessed to be at college-level in English (see Student Resources and Services - Assessment in this Catalog)
- OR 236 on the NextGen Accuplacer
- OR ACT or SAT scores within the last five years
- OR have earned a previous college degree
- OR have completed any necessary developmental courses, if required, with a grade of "C" or higher before taking Interior Design courses.
- Students wishing to transfer in prior Interior Design or General Education credits to fulfill degree requirements must have official transcripts sent to the ACC Admission and Records Offices. If you have questions after Admissions and Records has evaluated your transcripts, please call 303.797.5958 to schedule an appointment with the IND Department Chair.
Program Requirements
- 9 Credits of Guaranteed Transfer courses - 9 Credits
Note: Interior Design students must select one (1) elective course below to complete the 71 credit Interior Design Program requirement.
Graduation Requirements
- All courses required for this A.A.S. degree must be completed with a grade of "C" or better to meet admission and graduation requirements.
- Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
- As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.
CIP 500408 (KTBA)
The Residential Kitchen & Bath Design Certificate prepares students for a variety of roles within the residential interior design industry. The program provides a strong foundation in residential design principles, including space planning, finishes, materials, and furnishings, while also offering specialized training in kitchen and bath design—two of the most technical and in-demand areas in the field.
Students learn to design safe, functional, and visually compelling residential environments using industry-standard software and current building and accessibility codes. Coursework emphasizes creative problem-solving, essential for working in design studios, cabinetry and appliance showrooms, and residential remodeling firms.
Whether completed online or in person, this certificate can be completed in as few as four semesters and equips students with the knowledge and technical skills needed to succeed in residential and kitchen and bath design.
Concurrent Program Options
Students may choose to pursue multiple credentials concurrently. Many complete the Residential Kitchen & Bath Design Certificate and/or the CAD–Interior Design Certificate while earning the Interior Design AAS degree, since the courses are closely aligned. This approach supports specialization in residential, technical drafting, or kitchen and bath design, and can accelerate entry into the workforce.
Professional Credentialing
Graduates of the Residential Kitchen and Bath Certificate (and the Interior Design AAS degree) are 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.
Admission Requirements
- Admission to Arapahoe Community College
- Students must attend an Interior Design Program Orientation prior to registration. Dates for orientations are listed on the ACC website.
- Complete ACCUPLACER assessment with the following minimum scores:
- 95 on Sentence Skills
- OR ACT or SAT scores within the last two years
- OR have earned a previous college degree
- OR have completed any necessary remedial courses, if required, with a grade of "C" or higher before taking Interior Design courses
Students wishing to transfer in Interior Design or General Education credits to fulfill certificate requirements must have official transcripts sent to the ACC Admissions and Records Office. If you have questions after Admissions and Records has evaluated your transcripts, please call 303.797.5958 to schedule an appointment with the IND Department Chair.
Program Requirements
Graduation Requirements
- All courses required for this certificate must earn a grade of "C" or better to meet completion requirements.
- Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
- As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.
CIP 151302 (4ANI)
The Computer Aided Drafting Certificate prepares students for advanced levels of Computer Aided Design (CAD) within industry, utilizing the latest hardware and software releases. The certificate can be completed within one year. This certificate prepares students to perform 2D and 3D design within CAD and other CAD-related software.
Admission Requirements
- Admission to Arapahoe Community College
Program Requirements
Graduation Requirements
- Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
- As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.
ACC academic plans will help guide you through your chosen program. The academic plan will provide you with important information, like which semesters courses are offered if there are any prerequisites or co-requisites for courses, program outcomes, course sequence recommendations, notes for the program, graduation requirements, and other important information. These are updated annually, so we recommend downloading a copy of yours to keep on track to graduation.
