Interior Design - Associate of Applied Science
Degree
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Overview
The interior design program provides hands-on skills and a visual design sense necessary for professional work in the interior design industry. Students graduate with a\ presentation portfolio to move immediately into an interior design career. This program prepares students in the business skills of interior design such as the use of computers and business writing. Graduates from this rigorous program have a reputation for excellence in the design industry.
Students completing this degree will have the option to complete a further 8 credits of study to meet the educational requirements to take the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) Exam in the future. They will also have the option to take the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Associate Exam.
Career Opportunities
Positions are available in architectural and interior design firms for entry-level interior designers. In time, students may decide to open their own design firm. Fine furniture stores have openings for designers. Students may also choose to work as sales representatives for one of the design-related industries. Whichever direction students pursue, they can be assured of an exciting and creative career.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, successful graduates will be able to:
1. Use knowledge of design principles, theory, and history to address client needs.
2. Apply design process skills using hand and computer-generated solutions.
3. Select and specify appropriate finishes, furniture, and construction components for end users.
4. Identify and apply sustainable and environmental principles of design.
5. Design code-based interior spaces to meet local and national regulations.
6. Practice design industry business procedures.
7. Create and use a visual portfolio to acquire employment or clientele.
Note: To give the program necessary depth and breadth, professionals employed full time in the interior design field teach many courses. Since these professionals have other work commitments, some classes will be scheduled only at night while others will be scheduled early in the morning.
Professional Licensure
In general, most states, including Utah, do not require a license to work in this field. However, individuals who are licensed often have additional benefits, such as being able to stamp and permit their own drawings. Some states may have additional licensure requirements. It is recommended that you contact the appropriate licensing entity in the state in which you plan to practice in order to seek information and guidance regarding licensure requirements.
Course Requirements
Students are responsible to examine the course description of each course listed below for details of prerequisites, which must be satisfied before registering for the course.
Important Note: The Interior Design program transitions to a 7-week block schedule in Fall 2025. For Spring 2025 program core courses see 24-25 Catalog.
Religion
Religion Cornerstone Courses
Students must complete two Religion Cornerstone courses. Cornerstone courses are delivered in two parts, blocks A and B. The two A and B parts are co-requisites and are taught consecutively in the same semester.
Religion Electives
Students must complete two additional religion courses. Religion Elective courses are delivered in two parts, blocks A and B. However, the two A and B parts can be taught in any order in any semester subject to availability.Total Credit Hours: 8
College Success
| ENS 101 | College Success | 1 credit |
| BAP 115 | Excel and Introduction to Technology | 1 credit |
| Total Credit Hours: | 2 |
Career Success
Internships are handled by the Interior Design program and not by Career Services. ID 399 substitutes for CAR 399R for students completing the AS degree or the AAS degree. However, CAR 399R may not substitute for ID 399.
| ID 399 | ID Internship | 1 credit |
| Total Credit Hours: | 1 |
College Fundamentals
| COMM 122 | Interpersonal Communications | 3 credits |
| ENG 101 | Introduction to College Writing | 3 credits |
| MAT 107 | Quantitative Analysis and Personal Finance | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Any math class >MAT 107 will satisfy the MAT 107 College Fundamentals requirement
Program Core Courses
Interior Design Elective Courses
NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) requires candidates to have completed a minimum of 60 interior design specific credits. The AAS degree provides 52 credits. Elective courses are provided for students who plan to take NCIDQ.
| ID 485 | Business of ID | 3 credits |
| ID 490 | NCIDQ Prep | 3 credits |
| ID 495 | LEED Prep | 2 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 8 |
Total Credit Hours: 71
Graduation Requirements
1. Minimum of 71 total semester credit hours as outlined.
2. GPA of 3.0 or higher in all Interior Design courses.
3. Complete at least 50% of Interior Design courses at Ensign College.
4. Complete 2 cornerstone religion courses plus 2 additional religion courses.
Recommended Sequence of Courses
Individual student circumstances such as the need for a smaller course load or the number of preparatory English or Math courses a student must take may require additional semesters to complete the program. Please see your Student Success Advisor for assistance.
There are three scheduling options for completing the Interior Design AAS Degree:
1. Fall Start – Year-Round – F/W/S/F/W/S
2. Fall Start – First Spring off – F/W/Spring off/F/W/S/F
3. Winter Start – Year-Round – W/S/F/W/S/F
Note: There are no Spring starts in the Interior Design program.
Semester 1 - Fall or Winter
Block A
ID 100 Design Principles, 3 credits
ID 120 Digital Graphics, 3 credits
ENS 101 College Readiness, 1 credit
Block B
ID 125 Drafting, 3 credits
ID 160 Historical Design, 3 credits
REL Religion Elective A or B, 1 credit
Total Semester Hours = 14
Semester 2 - Winter or Spring
Block A
ID 200 Design Process, 3 credits
ID 215 Materials, 3 credits
REL Religion Cornerstone A, 1 credit
Block B
ID 225 AutoCAD, 3 credits
REL Religion Cornerstone B, 1 credit
COM 122 Interpersonal Communication, 3 credits
Total Semester Hours = 14
Semester 3 - Fall or Spring
Block A
ID 300 Space Planning, 3 credits
REL Religion Cornerstone A, 1 credit
MAT 107 Math 107 – or higher, 3 credits
Block B
ID 305 Lighting, 3 credits
ID 315 NKBA, 3 credits
REL Religion Cornerstone B, 1 credit
Total Semester Hours = 14
Semester 4 - Fall or Winter
Block A
ID 320 Revit Intro, 3 credits
ID 350 Studio 1, 3 credits
REL Religion Elective A or B, 1 credit
Block B
ID 370 Revit 1, 3 credits
ENG 101 English, 3 credits
Total Semester Hours = 13
Semester 5 - Winter or Spring
Block A
ID 399 Internship, 1 credit
ID 450 Studio 2, 3 credits
BAP 115 Excel & Technology, 1 credit
Block B
ID 460 Building Codes, 3 credits
ID 470 Revit 2, 3 credits
REL Religion Elective A or B, 1 credit
Total Semester Hours = 12
Semester 6 - Spring or Fall
Block A
ID 480 Portfolio, 3 credits
ID 485* Business of ID, 3 credits
Block B
ID 490* NCIDQ Prep, 3 credits
ID 495* LEED Prep, 2 credits
REL Religion Elective A or B, 1 credit
Total Semester Hours = 12
* Elective courses for students who want to take NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) exams. Not required for the AAS degree.