UC Berkeley Extension
UC Berkeley Extension
UC Berkeley Extension

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Phone: (415) 284-1070


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Professional Sequence in Sustainable Design

Interior Design and Interior Architecture

(EDP 022137)

"Interior design is an art. It is not a fine art. It cannot luxuriate in its independence as can painting and sculpture, forming itself without regard to any but aesthetic demands. It is, instead, a hardworking art, with serious and sometimes mundane problems to solve. . . . Interior design is also a craft. Technique and experience count a lot in this field, just as they do in the finest of fine arts. . . . [Expertise] is achieved through the increasingly rigorous education that our profession requires and through the subsequent practical application of that education." Stanley Abercrombie, FAIA

The professional interior designer is qualified by education, experience, and examination to enhance the function and quality of interior spaces for the purpose of improving the quality of life, increasing productivity, and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

The Certificate Program in Interior Design and Interior Architecture offered by UC Berkeley Extension was developed in response to a need to provide adult students with a comprehensive interior design education that is of professional quality, affordable, and available to working individuals on a part-time basis. In carrying out this mission, the program offers design education that combines studio courses with the study of design theory, history, presentation skills, and resources.

The program supports the internationally accepted definition of an interior designer as stated in the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (formerly FIDER) standards and guidelines. Our mission is specifically to produce designers with the educational qualifications to become a Certified Interior Designer (CID) in the State of California.

The certificate curriculum

This 29-course sequential program is equal parts creative theory and practical training. In the 77 semester units required you will be taught traditional skills and new technologies. Environmental issues, social issues, and sustainable design are emphasized.

Application procedure and educational requirement

You are required to apply for admission to the Certificate Program in Interior Design and Interior Architecture prior to enrolling in Phase II courses and Studio I: Conceptual Design. To apply, please (1) complete and submit the application or (2) print out and complete the form at www.unex.berkeley.edu/info/cert.php. Mail or fax it as it indicates, and submit it with the nonrefundable application fee. Certificate applications cannot be taken by phone.

Requirements may be updated based on new developments in the field of study; we recommend completing the program in a timely fashion.

Beginning in 2005, the UC Berkeley Extension Certificate Program in Interior Design and Interior Architecture is defined as a post-baccalaureate certificate program. (Evidence of a bachelor's degree is required of all new applicants.) Once enrolled in the certificate program, please have official transcripts sent to IDIA Program, UC Berkeley Extension, 95 Third St., San Francisco, 94103. Ours is a CIDA-accredited, portfolio-driven, and intensive curriculum offering the only sustainable interior design certification in the country.

Beginning the Program

Begin the program by choosing one or more of the Phase I courses. Introduction to Interior Design, Drafting, and Principles and Elements of Design are excellent beginning selections.

Planning your course sequence

The course sequence is listed below. If you'd like to request further information about scheduling your sequence for three years or four years, call the program office at (415) 284-1070. It is sometimes possible to substitute a comparable course or waive a course based on comparable professional work. Please check with the program office to verify acceptability of your proposed substitution or waiver.

Full time or part time

Many part-time students complete the program in four years by taking two to three courses each term year-round. You can finish in three years by attending full time. Six years is the maximum expected completion time for the curriculum.

Grade requirements

All courses must be taken for academic credit and completed with a letter grade of C or better, except for Principles and Elements of Design and Internship in Interior Design, which are offered on a pass/no pass basis only.

Portfolio and portfolio review

Careers in interior design and interior architecture are premised on building a portfolio. Each course in the program facilitates the producing of work for your portfolio. A portfolio review is required to determine readiness for Phase III of the program (prior to taking Studio II ). It is important to retain all your work from all prerequisite courses for your portfolio.

Completion of the certificate curriculum

Contact the program office when you have completed the curriculum. The certificate will be awarded after your records have been reviewed. You must have an exiting interview and portfolio review with the program director.

Professional development and personal enrichment courses

Anyone may enroll in our preprofessional courses (Phase I and II) and elective courses. Electives are listed below.

Planning your course sequence and prerequisites

The course sequence is listed below. If you'd like to request further information about scheduling your sequence for three years or four years, call us at (415) 284-1070. It is sometimes possible to substitute a comparable course or waive a course based on comparable professional work. Please check with the program office to verify acceptability of your proposed substitution or waiver. You are also expected to make up the credit units for any waived course by taking an elective.

CIDA accreditation (formerly FIDER)

We are proud to announce that in 2004 CIDA (Council of Interior Design Accreditation) renewed our accreditation for the maximum allowable time period of six years. The UC Berkeley Extension Certificate Program in Interior Design and Interior Architecture meets the highest standards of the profession and is the only CIDA-accredited program in the Bay Area for part-time students. For more information, go online to the website for the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (formerly known as FIDER) at www.accredit-id.org.

Required courses (term offered, semester units)


Electives offered this term

To plan your program, please request the Interior Design and Interior Architecture Certificate Program Guide by calling (415) 284-1070 or by e-mail:



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