Rachel Beach, Interior Design and Design Assistant Program Coordinator/Advisor
316C Wallman Hall / (304) 367-4367
Rachel.Beach@pierpont.edu
Interior Design Program Purpose
The Interior Design program prepares students for professional service in residential and/or commercial design work. Students have various opportunities to explore and apply principles and elements of interior design and to create functional and aesthetic interior environments.
Interior Design includes a study of design; functional space planning and universal access; furnishings and window treatments; materials and components; and technical rendering and presentation skills in conjunction with a business orientation. The program is designed to provide both classroom and studio work, with an on-the-job work experience in area businesses. The learning experience goes beyond the classroom and includes working with the student chapter of ASID, the American Society of Interior Designers.
This AAS degree in Applied Design, Interior Design meets the academic requirements for ASID allied and professional membership.
Student Learning Outcomes
(Fashion Merchandising, Interior Design and Design Assistant options):
Upon successful completion of the AAS degree, graduates will be able to do the following:
- Demonstrate knowledge of design theory and the elements and principles of design through organizing, manipulating and solving design problems
- Recognize the history of their field, and manipulate the materials, components, and products that are associated with that field
- Communicate and justify, through written and oral presentation and portfolio development, the details, inspiration, problems, solutions, and the vision of their design
- Develop and demonstrate a work ethic in their field of design through practicum experience and community service
- Demonstrate an understanding of business practices, work ethic, professionalism, and consumer marketing principles as related to the products and services of their field
Opportunities in Interior Design:
Graduates of the Associate degree in Interior Design are prepared to enter the job market at entry-level positions and pursue careers in professions such as interior designers, assistant designers, kitchen and bath designers, lighting designers, retail furniture and/or home improvement sales, and home staging consultants. Many new graduates begin their careers in small to medium size design firms as sales associates and assistant designers, with opportunities to advance. The placement of students is excellent.
The Interior Design program of Pierpont Community & Technical College is a student chapter of ASID, the American Society of Interior Designers. Students who are members of the ASID student organization may become allied members upon graduation. Allied members of ASID who graduate from this program meet the academic eligibility to sit for the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) exam and to become a professional member.
Students may also take two additional courses to receive an AutoCAD certification and CAD Advanced Skill Set while completing their degree. Students with AutoCAD certification have additional job opportunities in the entry-level design field.
This program, at the associate level, meets all academic requirements for ASID professional registration. Graduates of the program may enter the workforce or may consider completion of a Bachelor’s of Science degree.
Bachelor Degree Opportunities in Interior Design
Upon completion of the Interior Design degree a graduate has the option to transfer to West Virginia University, Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design for an additional 2 years to complete a bachelor degree in the Design Studies Program. All Pierpont credits transfer directly into the program for a seamless transition into a bachelor degree. The offering of an interdisciplinary design major by West Virginia University is unique in the state and within the University. Design Studies brings together positive aspects of the studio-based design majors and the multidisciplinary studies major to provide a design-focused program that is flexible and student-centered. Acceptance into the program is noncompetitive. Employment in design-related occupations is expected to continue to grow.
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