Turn your eye for design into an incredible career. You’ll learn how to design amazing spaces that support wellness, and create a more accessible, inclusive world!
You’re already passionate about solving problems and helping people while maintaining exceptional aesthetics — so take the next step and make it a rewarding career!
Kirkwood is the affordable option. We have more than $3 million in scholarships available every year!
A 90-minute program conference is recommended prior to starting the program. You’ll learn more about the program and have an opportunity to have questions answered by program faculty.
Explore potential careers and salaries on GlassDoor and Career Coach.
School Year: 2023–24
Program Entry Semester: Fall
Fall | Spring | Summer | Fall | Spring | Summer | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Credit Hours per Semester | 16 | 16 | 6 | 19 | 17 | 0 | 74 |
In-State Tuition | $3,360 | $3,360 | $1,260 | $3,990 | $3,570 | $0 | $15,540 |
Technology Fee per Semester | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $0 | $250 |
Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $764 | $964 | $288 | $714 | $740 | $0 | $3,470 |
Course/Section Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Laptop (required devices) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Third Party Credentials | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Tool Sets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Uniforms | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Other | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total Estimated Cost | $4,714 | $4,374 | $1,598 | $4,754 | $4,360 | $0 | $19,260 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $210 (In-State), $281 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
Kirkwood’s immersive program is the only 2-year Interior Design and Interior Architecture degree option in Iowa. We offer the same high-quality training as 4-year institutions — in half the time — so you can start your new career sooner.
At Kirkwood, you’ll create classroom projects with industry-leading software tools like Photoshop and Revit, and receive hands-on instruction from our faculty experts. You’ll also have amazing opportunities to visit showrooms, architectural firms, and landmarks in nearby metro areas like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Kansas City.
The result? You'll graduate with an extensive portfolio and the experience to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification exam to prove your skill.
Jump-start your interior design career with a personal portfolio exhibit. Near the end of your program, you’ll showcase your work to prospective employers and community members in a personal, one-on-one environment so your skills can shine through.
Design and practice like a professional as you build a portfolio and resume you can use when applying for internships and careers.
Look forward to gaining insight into a wide range of design markets and trends, including:
When you enroll at Kirkwood, you’ll receive the foundation for the technical and theoretical knowledge to enter the design industry upon graduation. Classes cover a wide range of design aspects and provide training on common industry software. You’ll take classes like:
Kirkwood interior design graduates put their creative mark to work in an endless variety of fun and exciting environments. Most of our students already have a job or internship in place immediately after graduating.
Some of these amazing experiences include:
Earn a Design Introductions - Certificate after 1 term.
Becoming a part of Kirkwood Student Interior Designers allows you to learn about job openings quickly. You can also connect with professional design organizations and network with other professionals. Contact program advisor Jillissa Moorman at: 319-398-4917 to learn more.
Kirkwood’s interior design program is the only 2-year interior design degree program in Iowa. We're also a recognized campus center for the International Interior Design Association.
To ensure your success in the Interior Design and Interior Architecture program at Kirkwood, please complete the following:
There are a limited number of spots in the program each year. Once the spots are full, you'll be added to the waitlist for the following fall semester.
The mission of the Interior Design and Interior Architecture program at Kirkwood Community College is to prepare and equip students to practice and serve the community with respect to interior design in the areas of residential, commercial, sustainable, or another closely related area of specialization.
This is achieved by providing a respectful, student-centered approach and equipping students with a high-quality learning environment and experience that emphasizes ethical, technical, creative, and responsible problem-solving through design.