RCC

Please contact the Registrar’s Office. Do not contact the Interior Design Program as we do not know your application status or receive your information.

When do I register for classes?

Student Services will send you a letter inviting you to registration.

I have already taken General Education (English, math, behavioral science) classes at another 2 or 4 year college will those credits transfer?

This is a decision made by Records and Registration. You will need a C or better to transfer and the credit hours for the class you took will need to equal or be greater than the class you are attempting credit.

I have already taken Interior Design classes at another 2 or 4 year college will those credits transfer?

This is the decision of Interior Design’s Program Head. You will need to schedule an appointment with the Program Head to evaluate your transcript and design portfolio. Credit is granted based on course description, equated credit hours, and present skill set.

How long will it take to complete the program?

If you enroll in the day program and intend on going full time then you will graduate in a year and a half.

If you enroll in the Evening Program then you will graduate in three years.

Is that a wait list to get into the Program?

Currently, there is not a wait list, but it is highly recommended that you apply to the college early.

Do you have online and evening classes?

Yes

When does the Program start?

Classes begin in the Fall Semester; however there are a few classes that you can take in the spring and the summer which include:

Spring

DES 210 Business Practices for Interior Design (online)

DES 265 Lighting (online)

Summer

DES 255 History of Interiors and Furnishings (online)

You will also need to fulfill general education courses which include two English courses, mathematics, and a behavioral science class.

Which classes are taught online?

DES 255 History of Interiors and Furnishings I

DES 256 History of Interiors and Furnishings II

DES 235 Products

DES 265 Lighting for Interior Design

DES 225 Textiles

DES 210 Business Practices for Interior Design

All online classes are hybrid classes meaning that they are taught online and have several meeting dates throughout the semester. Meeting dates are required to take exams, give presentations, go on field trips, or participate in textile labs. Meeting dates are given prior to registration or the first week of class.

I have never taken an online class. What should I expect?

All classes are taught using Moodle and are accessible through your Campus Cruiser account. Each week your instructor will upload a lecture and/and handouts using PowerPoint software. You are responsible for logging onto your account at least once a week to gather reading and weekly assignments and discussions. Most assignments are research or opinion based and can be submitted electronically through email.

I want to take personal enrichment classes without finishing the Program what can I take?

The following classes are first year classes which have no or low pre-requisite requirements. * indicates classes that are taught online. You may choose from any of these courses:

Fall Semester Requirements

DES 135 Principles and Elements of Design I

DES 110 Architectural Graphics

*DES 225 Textiles

*DES 256 History of Interiors and Furnishings II (must complete DES 255)

*DES 235 Products

Spring Semester

DES 136 Principles and Elements of Design II (must complete DES 135)

DES 220 Principles of Interior Design (must complete DES 135, DES 110, and be enrolled in DES 136)

*DES 210 Business Practices for Interior Design

*DES 265 Lighting for Interior Design

DES 125 Graphic Presentation

DES 120 AutoCAD for Interior Design (must complete DES 110)

Summer Semester

*DES 255 History of Interiors and Furnishings I

Do you offer a class multiple times during the year?

DES 220 Principles of Interior Design is taught in the day time in the spring and at night in the summer, but generally no.

What is a typical day schedule?

If you plan to take classes full time then a typical week is Monday-Thursdays 9:00-4:30. Duration of your schedule decreases as you continue with the program.

What is a typical evening schedule?

If you plan to take classes full time then a typical week is Monday-Thursday 6:00-9:00.

Can I still work and go to school?

Day time Students often find it difficult to balance a part time job and go to school full time. Students who have part-time jobs should schedule their work for after 5:00 Monday-Thursday and designate weekends to working on projects.

The Program offers online classes and the option of an Evening Program, which allows a person to work full time during the day or be at home with family. Many mothers and professionals find this to be a convenient option.

You will find this to be true at other two, four, and five year institutions as Interior Design in general is a rigorous program that takes a great amount of dedication outside the classroom.

How many students are typically in a class?

We choose to keep class sizes small to optimize time spent with individual students. Typically there are 15 students in a studio class and 25 in a lecture class.

What is your employment success rate?

Despite recent economical downturns our employment success or transfer rate is still 100% six months after graduation.

What kind of jobs do your graduates get?

Past students have been placed in residential and commercial design firms, retail/showroom design, sales, CAD/draftsman, kitchen design, photography styling, education, product design, and marketing.

Are Scholarships and Financial Aid available?

Yes, refer to the Financial Aid website for additional information.

If I choose to transfer to a four or five year college after graduation, do my credits transfer?

This depends on the Institution that you are transferring to. Almost all of our courses do transfer, which usually place you into a Junior Standing. Our students have had (informally) a high transfer success rate with High Point University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. It is best to contact the institution’s registrar and department for official transfer credit information.

Is your internship required and do you help students find internships?

Yes, the Co-op work experience is required and is in the last semester of your graduation year. Co-ops are 20 hours a week for 16 week or for a total of 320 hours. Co-ops are important because it provides work experience which is mandatory for entry level positions, it provides a connection to industry, it a vital learning experience that can not be expressed in class, and it may turn into a job placement. Co-ops can be paid or non-paid.

The Program assists students in placement, however; students may choose their own experience.

What special supplies do I need to purchase for the program? Will I need CAD or purchase a computer?

Please refer to the supply list and CAD requirements located on the Interior Design Webpage. Interior Design requires many reusable supplies to begin your design inventory. Over the course of five semesters supplies typically are $1,400.00. You do not need to purchase a computer or CAD. Student software versions are available in the bookstore.

Do I need to be artistic?

Not necessarily. This is a learned skilled, but having mechanical or artistic knowledge is a bonus.

I’m nervous because I have not been in school in years –

It’s natural to be nervous, but know that we have a diversified class setting with instructors that are passionate in seeing that you succeed.