certificate

Interior Design: Foundation Level

This foundation level certificate provides beginners with a fundamental education in the field of interior architecture. It is the only program in the nation leading to a Master of Interior Architecture degree that is offered on a continuing education basis.

SEE COURSES IN THIS PROGRAM

This program is perfect for...

Those exploring the possibility of becoming an interior designer
Interior designers interested in enhancing their skills
Individuals seeking more knowledge in the field of interior design
Students with a passion for interior design

What you can learn.

Explore the history of environmental arts, fundamentals of interior architecture in both commercial and residential interiors, color theory and more
Become skilled in using AutoCAD and/or Revit, two powerful computer-aided design (CAD) programs favored by major design firms
Develop skills for freehand drawing and drafting to communicate design concepts
Cover a diverse curriculum providing essential skills for going on to advanced degree classes

Design your future.

The Interior Design: Foundation Level Certificate is an open enrollment program taught by instructors who are practicing professionals in the fields of interior design, architecture, or fine arts. Its flexible scheduling allows for balanced class loads and scheduling. Internship, mentorship, and job placement opportunities are available through our program advisor. Certificate graduates are eligible to sit for the NCIDQ Examination after meeting 90 quarter, units plus required work experience.

Further, students who complete the certificate with a grade point average of 3.0 or better and have a bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply to the Master of Interior Architecture degree*.

*Domestic students applying to the Master of Interior Architecture program must reside in one of the states approved for out-of-state distance education, shown here under 'State Authorization Regulations'.

International Students

This certificate is approved for international students (F-1 student visa).

Entry Quarter: International students must begin the program in Fall Quarter and follow a specific sequence of courses.

Students participating in courses offered solely by UCLA Extension must meet the English Language Requirements outlined below. Any international student interested in taking classes on UCLA’s main campus must adhere to the English Requirements outlined for UCLA courses.

Acceptable tests and minimum scores

Scores that are equal to or higher than the listed minimum scores from the following tests, taken within the past two years, can satisfy the English proficiency requirement.

TOEFL: 80 (iBT)
IELTS: 6.5
iTEP: 4.5
CAE: B (CEFR C1)
CPE: C (CEFR C2)
TOEIC: 685
DUOLINGO (DET): 105

While no other type of test score is accepted in general, students who are affected by test center closures may request an exception to submit an alternate test score.

International Baccalaureates (IB) students or students currently enrolled in an academic institution where the primary language of instruction is English may submit an official academic transcript or verification of enrollment from their school as proof of English proficiency.

Learn more:

International Students: How to Apply

Academic Requirements & English Language Proficiency

Expect more from your education.

Learn from Industry Leaders

"My favorite thing about teaching is being able to influence students wanting to change their career into a new world—a creative world in which they will enjoy doing what they do for the rest of their lives."

Meet Luis de Moraes

JOIN US

Virtual Open House
Master of Interior Architecture Open House

Wednesday, May 17, 6:00PM–7:30PM PT

Learn about the career opportunities and benefits of our nationally ranked Master of Interior Architecture Program.

RSVP

The amazing instructors taught me how to think as a designer, and provided me with all the tools to succeed in the field, from conceptualizing spaces to smart business practices.

Jennifer Casey

Interior Design Student

What our certificates have done for our students.

85%

feel a certificate helped them enhance their careers

1 in 4

received a salary increase after starting a certificate program

50%

switched careers after completing a certificate program

85%

recommend a certificate program to others

Source: UCLA Extension Certificate Graduates Survey

Courses

Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.

Required (16)

Elective (2)

Required Courses

Surface Materials

ARCH X 427.7

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

History of Environmental Arts: Part I

ARCH X 427.8A

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

History of Environmental Arts: Part II

ARCH X 427.8B

Typically Offered: Winter, Summer

History of Environmental Arts: Part III

ARCH X 427.8C

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

History of Environmental Arts: Part IV

ARCH X 427.8D

Typically Offered: Winter, Summer

Interior Architecture Studio II

ARCH X 430A

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Interior Architecture Studio I

ARCH X 433

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Fundamentals of Interior Architecture

ARCH X 438

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Color Theory and Application

ARCH X 452.1

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Elements of Design I

ARCH X 454A

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Elements of Design II

ARCH X 454B

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Design Communication II

ARCH X 466E

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Design Communication III

ARCH X 466F

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Lighting Design

ARCH X 467.15

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Design Communication I

ARCH X 467.17A

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Digital Presentation I: Photoshop/Illustrator

ARCH X 468.20

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

see all courses

Defined Elective - Digital Presentation II

Digital Presentation II: 2D CAD/AutoCAD

ARCH X 468.5A

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Digital Presentation II: Revit Architecture I

ARCH X 468.13A

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Defined Elective - Digital Presentation III

Digital Presentation III: 3D CAD (Using SketchUp, SU Podium, and AutoCAD)

ARCH X 468.5B

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Digital Presentation III: Revit Architecture II

ARCH X 438.13B

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Download Certificate Planner

Estimated Cost Breakdown

All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable.

Application & Candidacy Fee

250.00

Estimated Program Tuition

15018.00

Estimated program textbook/materials

3100.00

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*The Application & Candidacy Fee establishes your candidacy in the program for a period of time covering normal progress toward completion and may allow you to access a variety of program benefits.

Internships
Available

Approved for
International Visa

VA Benefit
Eligible

Federal
Financial Aid

**Federal Financial Aid Gainful Employment Disclosures

The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges and universities to disclose certain information for any financial aid eligible program that, “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation”. This information includes program costs; occupations that the program prepares students to enter; occupational profiles; on time completion rate; and for the most recent award year: the number of students who have completed the program, the number of students who complete the program within the estimated duration, the job placement rate, and the median Title IV and private loan debt incurred by those who complete the program. For gainful employment information for this program, visit our Financial Aid page.

Internship Opportunities

An internship in interior design can provide you with practical experience in a variety of job functions. Certificate students must complete the first three quarters of the program curriculum, to gain necessary technical skills, before completing the application for approval to enroll in an internship.

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Take Your Career to the Next Level

Upon successful completion of the Interior Design: Foundation Level Certificate, students with a baccalaureate degree may continue on to the Master of Interior Architecture degree program, offered collaboratively with Cal Poly Pomona. Masters students further hone their design skills and technical abilities to create a professional portfolio, while also setting themselves up for greater access to advancement opportunities and a higher earning potential.

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