Interior Design

Students working in the classroom

Excel in Your Future Interior Design Career with a NOVA Degree

Grow your knowledge, skills and expertise in both residential and contract design and expand your career opportunities as an interior designer with an associate degree from NOVA.

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

Associate Degree in Interior Design

Build knowledge and skills in both residential and contract design for entry-level positions from furniture store sales to junior designer in commercial design or architectural firms with NOVA’s Associate of Applied Science in Interior Design. You’ll study topics such as interior design, art history, furniture history and basic design. You’ll also receive hands-on learning opportunities in computer-aided drafting, rendering and business. Network with peers and local designers by getting involved in professional organizations related to the design industry, such as the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).

Length
Two Years
Credits
61-62 Credits
Locations
Loudoun
Curriculum Details

Why Study Interior Design at NOVA?

Skilled Interior Design Faculty

You’ll learn from interior design faculty who have years of experience in the interior design field. They know the latest trends, skills, and techniques you need to learn to stand out for jobs.

Hands-On Interior Design Courses

You’ll take courses that give you the practical skills you need to work in interior design. You’ll get hands-on experience in computer-aided drafting and rendering with the latest CAD software.

Affordable Interior Design Program

You’ll receive an affordable interior design education. You may be eligible for NOVA scholarships to help offset the cost of your interior design degree.

Program Details

Coursework is practical and theoretical with an emphasis on teaching the practical skills needed in the world of interior design. Students learn the basics of the interior design profession, including its history, business intricacies, planning of space and issues related to building codes. They also gain skills including hand drafting and rendering and computer based drawing using current CAD drafting software, all of which are used in the preparation of projects for many of the courses. Specific course topics include materials, lighting, kitchen and bath design, portfolio design, and space planning among others.

Accreditations

Northern Virginia Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award an associate degree in interior design.

Interior Design Program Career Outcomes

NOVA’s interior design program will prepare you for diverse career opportunities in fields such as retail marketing, residential design, commercial design, space planning, kitchen and bath design. You could work in a wide variety of markets, including residential, model home, kitchen and bath, corporate, health care, hospitality and government design. Specific job titles include entry-level design assistant, retail and furniture store sales, and manufacturer representative for products used in interiors and architecture.

Credits and
Transfer Info

Credit for Prior Learning

Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional ways, including but not limited to: certifications, AP or IB exams, military training, or life experience.

Transferring

Learn more about possible transfer opportunities associated with this program of study. Students interested in transferring should contact an advisor or counselor to further discuss their plans.

Your Next Steps to NOVA