UC Berkeley Global: Study-Abroad Opportunities
Certificate: Interior Design and Interior Architecture
Berkeley, USA
Certificate
DURATION
10 semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 23,500 *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* not including textbooks, course materials or registration fee
Key Summary
Learn how to create exciting spaces that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable. The Certificate Program in Interior Design and Interior Architecture offers a comprehensive education that combines studio courses with the study of design theory and history.
It teaches you manual and digital drawing skills that allow you to communicate your ideas effectively. You learn from industry professionals who help you build a strong portfolio to start your career. The certificate also provides educational credits needed to qualify for the California Council for Interior Design Certification exam (the IDEX® California exam) and the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certification exam.
Curriculum Requirements
The curriculum comprises 21 required courses (57-semester units) and two to four electives (4-semester units) for a total of 61-semester units. Candidates must pay a nonrefundable certificate registration fee.
All courses must be taken for a letter grade. To receive the certificate, you must maintain an overall minimum 2.5-grade point average, with a grade of C or better in each course. A Certificate with Distinction will be awarded to those who complete the certificate with a GPA of 3.9 or higher. All coursework must be completed within five years.
Certificate and Award Request
Once you have completed the certificate coursework, notify UC Berkeley Extension that you have completed the curriculum and request your certificate. Send an email to extension-interiordesign@berkeley.edu or call (510) 664-7824. After your records have been reviewed, verified, and approved (usually within two to three weeks), your certificate will be mailed to you.
Additional Information
Your Portfolio
Careers in interior design and interior architecture are premised on building a portfolio. Each course in the certificate facilitates producing work for your portfolio. Therefore, we highly recommend that you retain work from previous classes that can be used for your portfolio.
Professional Organizations
All students are eligible to join student chapters of the following professional organizations:
- American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
- International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
Courses
Required Courses (Phase I)
- Design Principles and Elements
- Design Communication I
- Color Theory and Application for Interiors
- AutoCAD
- Design Communication II
- Design Communication III
- History of Architecture, Interiors and Decorative Arts I
- Digital Presentation Techniques
Required Courses (Phase II)
- Design Studio I
- Interior Finishes and Materials
- History of Architecture, Interiors and Decorative Arts II
- Revit
- Space Planning
- Fundamentals of Lighting Design
- Design Studio II
Required Courses (Phase III)
- Building Components and Systems for Interior Architecture
- Design Studio III
- Construction Documents
- Business Practices for Interior Designers
- Design Studio IV
- Portfolio and Professional Presentation
Electives
- Internship in Interior Design
- Design Theory and Process
- Kitchen and Bath Design
- Fundamentals of Interior Design
- Sketching for Interiors
- Principles of Sustainability
- Exploring the World of Textiles
- Origins of Influence: Asian Architecture
- Figure Drawing for Design
Introducing: Career Services!
You have worked on your Berkeley academics and are now planning the next stage of your professional life, but you don't know where to start. Let the Berkeley Global Career Services team support you in taking your next steps!