Santa Monica College, Interior Architectural Design

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:


What does your Interior Architectural Design program at Santa Monica College offer?
The program offers 4 certificates and an Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Architectural Design.
  1. Professional Training - Interior Architectural Design Level 1
  2. Professional Training - Interior Architectural Design Level 2
  3. Set Design & Art Direction For Film & TV
  4. CAD Production & Design
  5. AA Degree in Interior Architectural Design (60 unit, 2 year degree)
  6. In addition, there are 44 units of Elective Choices.
Even though we are a 2 year school, we have more than 2 years worth of classes to choose from. We have over 30, 3 unit classes (90 semester units).
There is a developmental sequence of 7 CAD classes using AutoCAD software.

The Level 1 certificate is a 24 unit program that leads to multiple career opportunities in retail and wholesale design. The focus is on design fundamentals, drafting, career choices, perspective sketching, color, computer-aided design (CAD), and materials and products.

The Level 2 certificate is a 20 unit continuation that leads to employment skills in the selection and specification of contract and residential surface materials and furniture. Expertise is developed in advanced perspective sketching, furniture history and styles, lighting, advanced computer-aided design, operating a business and the wholesale trade, and practical internship positions in the industry. In addition, a Level 2 student may also be eligible for the 60 Unit Associate of Arts Degree upon completion of specific 20 additional units of General Education degree requirements.

For more information about program classes and certificates, view the information listed in our Courses & Certificates section of this web site. (If you follow this link, you will need to "navigate" back, or use your Browser's Back Button to return to this FAQ's page.)


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What kind of employment can I expect after achieving any of the Professional Training Certificates you offer?
One of the strengths of most 2 year schools is that they typically train students in the skills for immediate employment (&/or background to transfer to advanced programs). The more classes you take, it is likely, the higher level of employment you will achieve. The 3 certificates are focused toward entry level employment working in Design and Architectural positions. The Level 2 certificate &/or the AA degree is geared toward a higher level of employment as a Interior Design Assistant or beginning self employment a business.

Typical trade associations consider 4-5 years of education and 1-2 years practice in the field (or the equivalent of business practice with some formal education) to be standard qualification to be called a Professional Interior Designer. For information on the profession, the "The Profession" section of this website. (If you follow this link, you will need to "navigate" back, or use your Browser's Back Button to return to this FAQ's page.)
What four-year colleges do you recommend if a student wishes to continue working for a bachelors degree?
If you decide you want to transfer to a four year college, you should research (via the internet) the schools due to the variables involved in such a decision. Schools tend to specialize in particular areas of the discipline. Each school will have its own strengths.
Is a portfolio required?
There is no portfolio requirement for entry into the program. (Most of the lab classes do develop portfolio projects.)
I have taken design classes at other colleges, how can I determine if these classes will transfer to the Interior Architectural Design Program at SMC?
If you have completed courses that offered the same content at another institution, or if you have equal professional experience, there is the possibility that classes could be substituted or waived. Valid transcripts and examples of work completed are required as proof of completion of courses.
If you feel you qualify, please call or email the program counselor: Clifton Dobbs at 1-310-434-3783 or email at dobbs_clifton@smc.edu. For Transfer Credit you must bring course descriptions with you at the time of your appointment. These are usually best obtained from the catalog from the other institution(s) and can sometimes be found online. Examples of your work also are helpful.
Are the classes all transferable?
SMC classes are listed in the SMC School Catalog as: "Transfer: CSU." However, it varys according to the receiving institution. Check with each different receiving institution and what their specific program counselors will accept.


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Is the Program accredited?
The Interior Architectural Design Program of Santa Monica College, Department of Design Technology, is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. This Accrediting Commission is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the United States Department of Education.

The SMC Program is not involved with CIDA as that accreditation is for 4 year schools. CIDA is Council for Interior Design Accreditation, formerly known as the Foundation for Interior Design Education or FIDER. As reported, California State University of Long Beach (CSULB), Interior Architectural Design, and UCLA Extension Interior Design are also not involved with CIDA.
Are there any General Education Requirements to start the SMC Interior Architectural Design Program or Professional Training Certificates?
There are no General Education Requirements.
Can I take just one class? Or must I commit to a program curriculum?
There is great flexibility in taking classes in the program. You may take one or more classes immediately as long as prerequisites are met for a particular class. When you meet the requirements for one or more of the four certificates, you can apply for that certificate. View the pages listed under the "Courses & Certificates" section of this website. (If you follow this link, you will need to "navigate" back, or use your Browser's Back Button to return to this FAQ's page.)
Are courses offered during the evening or only during the day?
The program is structured for the part time student as well as full time student. The majority of classes are rotated semester to semester to accommodate the day student, evening-only student, and the weekend student. However, the more flexible the student's schedule, the more options they will have. Not every class is offered each semester. We offer as many classes in as many varied time slots as we can with the available weekly teaching hours given to the program by administration.


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Do you offer Online classes?
Santa Monica College offers Online classes in many subjects. The Interior Architectural Design Program offers Beginning CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) class, INTDSN 32. (This is in addition to our On-campus classes.)
How many courses should I take each semester?
Classes vary between 6, 8, 12, and most commonly 16 weeks on the semester system. All of our classes are 3 units each (excluding internship classes). Based on the typical 16 week class, the lecture courses are 3 hours per week. The studio classes 6 hours per week. There is also the option of taking 1 or 2 excelerated classes between semesters with the Summer or Winter sessions. A full load is considered 15 units (5 classes)/semester. If you are thinking of going beyond full-load, you should check with a counselor regarding the school's policy of maximum limit. (There is no minimum.)

The hours a class requires outside of the classroom varies. If you are new to this, a starting estimate could be around 1 hour of homework for every hour you are in (a lecture) class. As an example, a 3 unit lecture class could mean 3 hours a week in class and an additional 3 hours a week outside of class doing homework. On the other hand, a 3 unit studio class would meet 6 hours a week in class and could be an additional 3 hours a week outside of class doing homework. (Yes, studio classes take more of your time per week than do lecture classes. This is why many students try to disperse studio classes evenly with their lecture classes.)
Which classes should I take first?
See Courses & Certificates > Flow Chart of Class Prerequisites. (If you follow this link, you will need to "navigate" back, or use your Browser's Back Button to return to this FAQ's page.)
I tried to register but the class is full. What do I do? Can I get in?
Many of our classes fill quickly. Always enroll at the first opportunity of your enrollment date/time given to you. If the class is full, review your options for other possible classes you could take. See our Courses & Certificates > Flow Chart of Class Prerequisites for a brief strategy of which classes to take.(If you follow this link, you will need to "navigate" back, or use your Browser's Back Button to return to this FAQ's page.) You can also show up on the first day of class and try to get an ad number from the instructor. This is up to the discretion of the instructor, the available desks, and the room seat count. (In the first week of class, online ad numbers become available when students are dropped.)Because the computer classes are very popular and the seats are limited to the # of computer stations, the computer classes usually fill immediately. As you continue in the program, your priority enrollment date/time will increase in seniority making it easier to get the classes you want.
What if I don't know what aspect of Interior Design I am interested in yet? Do I have to decide before I start?
There is flexibility in taking classes in the program. As long as you meet the prerequisites for a particular class, you are free to take as many of the classes you like. When you've taken enough that you meet the requirements for one or more of the four certificates, you can apply for that certificate. (Look at our site pages listed under "Courses & Certificates." Our objective is to provide a well-rounded education in Interior Architectural Design. As you advance through the program, exposure to various aspects of design will enhance your ability to pursue a professional specialization that is of greatest interest to you.


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How many students are enrolled in the Interior Architectural Design Program
Our program currently has around 230 students. Although Santa Monica College has several thousand students, we are located at a satellite campus where we co-exists with two other programs in our department of Design Technology. The other two programs are Graphic Design and Entertainment Technology. There are enough students to create a sense of high energy without so many as to feel crowded. The classrooms are typically full, averaging around 20-25 students.
Does your program offer internships?
Yes, we offer internships to qualified students. We are known for our award winning internship program. You can receive 1, 2, & 3, units credit using our INTDSN 90 series classes (90A, 90B, & 90C) Unlike many schools which typically wait until the last semester, we encourage students to take internships even in their 1st semester and repeat the internship at different companies as long as they are enrolled in the program so that they may explore what aspect of the profession to pursue. You can also receive unit credit for a current job that's related to the Design Industry. For information about internships see Student Center > Internship Program page, and contact the Internship Coordinator, Ms. Gloria Mottler at 1-310-434-3783 or mottler_gloria@smc.edu
How much does it cost to attend Santa Monica College?
As of Spring '07, it's about $20/unit, (with some misc. fees). Confirm this by going directly to the source at http://www.smc.edu/admissions/fees.htm#Summary%20of%20Fees.
Where is the Santa Monica College, Interior Architectural Design Program located?
The main campus is 1900 Pico Blvd. in Santa Monica. The Interior Architectural Design Program of the Design Technology Department is located at a satellite campus called the Academy of Entertainment & Technology (AET). It is several blocks northeast of the main campus at 1660 Stewart Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404, (between Olympic Blvd. and Colorado and East of 26th Street). There is parking at all of the SMC campuses, plus there is a free shuttle that travels between the main campus and satellite campuses. There are directions and links to maps on the Contact Us > Maps & Directions page in the "Contact Us" section of this web site. (If you follow this link, you will need to "navigate" back, or use your Browser's Back Button to return to this FAQ's page.)
What do I have to do to be in the program?
  1. Complete the SMC Online Application for admission (no fee required), click on the web-link below to access the SMC Online Application: http://www.smc.edu/admissions/application.htm.
  2. Download and print the signature page. Sign the signature page and mail it to the SMC Admissions and Records Office. The Admissions and Records Office will assign you a SMC Student ID number, and a date & time for course enrollment.
  3. Study the courses and class schedule early for the semester you wish to enroll, and when your date/time occurs, enroll as soon as possible in your chosen classes online or in person so that you are not closed out of the class you want.
Is there someone I can call and speak to if I have any questions?
Yes, call Clifton Dobbs (our Interior Architectural Design Counselor) at 1-310-434-3783 or email at: dobbs_clifton@smc.edu
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