Interior Design: Foundation Level

Establishing certificate candidacy gives you access to the following benefits:

• Priority on wait lists.
• Open an affiliate/Guest UCLA Bruin ID Card* for a number of student-related benefits.
• Get access to UCLA Recreation facilities as a student affiliate.*
• Receive a gold-seal certificate upon completion of the program.
• Join us for the annual UCLA Extension Graduation Ceremony on campus to celebrate all your hard work.
• Access to Handshake, UCLA Career Center’s online job board, with access to thousands of job and internship postings.
• Access to UCLA Extension’s Career Resources including online career coaching, workshops and networking events.
• Become a member of the UCLA Alumni Association (upon completing your certificate) and a nationwide network of Bruin family.

How to Apply

1. Click the Apply Now button below
2. Login or create a new student account
3. Once you are logged into the student portal, you can select “My Applications” from the left side menu at any time to return to your application. Click the yellow “Start” button to proceed.
4. On the Certificate Application page, follow the instructions and click save. Then submit your application.
5. Proceed to checkout and pay the nonrefundable candidacy fee to finalize your application.

Can I complete this program remotely/online?

Yes, the entire certificate program can be completed fully remote/online. Please note that many of our courses are offered in the remote format and require live participation during set meeting times via Zoom. Most classes are scheduled in the evenings, Pacific Time. Refer to Instruction Methods for additional information. 

 What are the application requirements?

This certificate program is open enrollment and does not have a formal admissions process. Anyone may enroll on a first-come, first-serve basis. The $200 candidacy fee is required for all program students— students may take up to five classes before candidacy is due.

When does the program start? When do I register?

Students may start the program any quarter of the year. Enrollment begins approximately two months before each quarter, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Classes fill up quickly and early enrollment is highly advised. All key dates are published ahead of time on the Academic Calendar.

Which courses do I take?

Scroll up to find the Curriculum Planner. This guide shows the recommended sequence of courses.

How many courses do I take each quarter? How long does it take to complete the program? 

The Interior Design: Foundation Level Certificate is comprised of 18 required courses (82-units). Full-time students usually take three courses per quarter to complete the program in six quarters/1.5 years. Part-time students typically take one or two courses per quarter. We require students to finish the certificate program within five years. 

How much time will I need to dedicate to each course?

A course unit represents approximately three hours per week. Therefore, a four-unit course typically requires about twelve hours per week. Actual hours may vary, depending on the course and student.

Is financial aid available? 

This program does not qualify for federal financial aid. Visit the UCLA Extension Financial Aid website for alternative resources.

What materials do I need?

A PC/Windows based computer with internet access is required. Students must purchase the following software: Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator, SketchUp Pro and Enscape Rendering Plug-In. These are typically available at a discounted student rate. Students must also obtain Revit & AutoCAD, provided free from AutoDesk as a 12-month student license. In addition, you will need to purchase various drawing, drafting, art supplies and textbooks throughout the duration of your studies. When applicable, the materials list will be included on the course syllabus. Select lists are embedded in the course descriptions on the website and can be viewed by clicking on “See Details.”

How do the online courses work?

UCLA Extension utilizes an online learning management system called Canvas. Within Canvas you can interact with your instructor and classmates, find course materials, activities, assignments and more. Course content is accessible in Canvas two days before the course start date. Canvas login credentials are emailed to you within a few hours of completing your enrollment for the course. For more information regarding Canvas, please review Student Resources for Online Learning.   

I’m on a wait list; what can I do?

Regardless of format, all of our courses are limited in capacity. If your desired section is full, join the wait list at no cost. If additional spaces become available, we will contact you via email and provide further instructions on finalizing your enrollment. Priority is given to program candidate students.

I’ve taken similar courses elsewhere, can they be applied toward my certificate?

You may be eligible to waive a limited number of courses if you have already taken equivalent coursework from another accredited institution. This must be confirmed by having a transcript evaluation with our Student Advisor prior to beginning any courses with us. Please email us at arc_id@uclaextension.edu for detailed instructions for the evaluation process. 

Is an internship required? What career assistance is available?

An internship is not required in our curriculum. However, various career resources are available via UCLA Extension Career Services. 

What kind of job can I get after completing this program?

There's a wide range of opportunities one can pursue after studying interior design. One may find that they are drawn to a specific niche like residential, commercial or hospitality. Typical opportunities may include Design Assistant, Junior Designer, Designer, Principal, Project Manager, CAD Operator or Design Specifier. Some of our graduates have established their own design companies.

How do I become a Certified Interior Designer?

Certification is currently optional in the state of California. National certification is obtained via the Council for Interior Design Qualification. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCIDQ Examination after fulfilling 90 quarter units of design education plus industry work experience.