Western Technical College
Published on Western Technical College (https://www.westerntc.edu)

Home > Interior Design

Interior Design

  • Associate Degree
Interior Design Image

Program Number: 

103041

Program Credits: 

60.00

Estimated Total Cost: 

$9,849.00

Typical Start: 

Fall
Financial Aid Eligible

Western's Interior Design associate degree program will transform your creativity and attention to detail, channeling them into innovative design practices. It provides a comprehensive understanding of aesthetic theory, materiality, and functionality to shape interior spaces effectively. Throughout your training, you will develop a strong academic portfolio while gaining expertise in conceptual design development, space planning, visual communication, sustainability, regulatory compliance, and construction document preparation.

By mastering the art of generating holistic and contextually aware design solutions, you will actively contribute to enhancing the human experience through interior design. This program also prioritizes the development of crucial skills, such as being an attentive listener, a flexible thinker, and a resourceful problem solver.

Career Opportunities

Residential Interior Designer
Retail Interior Designer
Commercial Interior Designer
Kitchen and Bath Designer
Sales Consultant
Furniture Staging Specialist
Home Lighting Advisor
Healthcare Interiors Facilities Manager
Higher Education Interiors Facilities Manager
Commercial Furniture Manufacturer Sales Representative
Commercial Furniture Dealer Associate
Sales Account Manager
Product Designer
Design Project Manager
Showroom Manager

Program Outcomes

  • Integrate Codes that impact the interior environment
  • Integrate industry guidelines that impact the interior environment
  • Apply interior design business practices
  • Apply design process to interior design projects
  • Design within the parameters of the built environment
  • Apply fundamentals of design

Admission Requirements:

College Requirements

Application: 

Yes

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Software and Technology

Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.

If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form [1].

Computer/Laptop Hardware

  • Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
  • Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
  • Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.

Software Needs

  • Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools [2].
  • Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
  • Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox

For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes [3] on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Campus Resources

  • Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus [4]. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page [5].
  • The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu [6] or call 608-785-9198.

Need Assistance?

  • Contact the Learning Commons [7]! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.

Courses

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks [8] for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern [9] self-service portal for academic planning.

First Term

Arch. Studio 1 - 3D Modeling
Course Number: 10614107
Credits: 3.00
Arch. Studio 2 - CAD Software
Course Number: 10614117
Credits: 3.00
Architectural History, Theory & Drawing
Course Number: 10614103
Credits: 2.00
College Math
Course Number: 10804107
Credits: 3.00
Construction Industry Basics
Course Number: 10410103
Credits: 2.00
Design and Graphic Fundamentals
Course Number: 10304102
Credits: 3.00
Strengths Seminar
Course Number: 10890106
Credits: 1.00

Second Term

Arch. Studio 3 - BIM Residential 1
Course Number: 10614127
Credits: 3.00
Graphic Presentation
Course Number: 10304109
Credits: 2.00
Human-Centered Design
Course Number: 10304124
Credits: 1.00
INDS Studio 1 - Intro to Res Design
Course Number: 10304113
Credits: 2.00
INDS Studio 2 - Advanced Res Design
Course Number: 10304123
Credits: 3.00
Oral/Interpersonal Comm
Course Number: 10801196
Credits: 3.00

Third Term

Design Field Experience/Co-op
Course Number: 10304133
Credits: 1.00

Fourth Term

Health, Safety & Welfare
Course Number: 10304157
Credits: 2.00
INDS Studio 3 - Intro to Comm Design
Course Number: 10304153
Credits: 2.00
INDS Studio 4 - Adv Commercial Design
Course Number: 10304163
Credits: 3.00
Intro to Psychology
Course Number: 10809198
Credits: 3.00
Materials and Resources
Course Number: 10304146
Credits: 2.00
Technical Reporting
Course Number: 10801197
Credits: 3.00

Fifth Term

Economics
Course Number: 10809195
Credits: 3.00
INDS Construction Documentation
Course Number: 10304168
Credits: 3.00
INDS Studio 5 - Capstone Prep
Course Number: 10304173
Credits: 2.00
INDS Studio 6 - Capstone
Course Number: 10304183
Credits: 3.00
Interior Design Portfolio
Course Number: 10304178
Credits: 2.00

Western Technical College
400 7th Street North
La Crosse, Wisconsin
54601

608-785-9200
800-322-9982


Links
[1] https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DniDXv9HckGZ5BpZ1xtAINzEPDqm29RGnADqdoibRwxUM0ZIV0tLRE1OS0NaOTY5U01aOFNVNDdVUS4u
[2] https://westerntc.libguides.com/blackboardforstudents/
[3] https://kb.westerntc.edu/112380
[4] https://www.westerntc.edu/computer-labs
[5] https://www.westerntc.edu/regional-locations
[6] mailto:LearningCommons@westerntc.edu
[7] https://www.westerntc.edu/learning-commons
[8] https://www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks
[9] https://mywestern.westerntc.edu/