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Program Overview
Turn your creative talents into an interior design career.
The two-year Interior Design program at Madison Area Technical College provides excellent career training to prepare you for entry-level residential design and sales positions in retail stores and design studios or for commercial design work in office dealerships and corporate facilities. In your courses, you will learn the art of interior design as well as build business skills to work effectively with budgets, deadlines, customers and industry partners.
Top Career Training
Students in Madison College's Interior Design program learn to design interior spaces that are functional, safe and beautiful. In first-year courses, you will gain fundamental and technical knowledge in interior design principles, reading and drawing floor plans, building construction techniques, architectural and interior materials, finish selection, decorating, and space planning. Interior design students also sharpen skills in computer-aided drawing using AutoCAD and SketchUp. In second-year courses, students focus on designing commercial and residential spaces, with an emphasis on corporate offices, residential remodeling, and kitchen and bath design. They also build a portfolio of work that is shown off at our annual portfolio and can be used for job interviews.
Interior Design Program Details
Students in the Interior Design program can attend full or part-time.
Interior Design Program classes are offered at the Madison College Truax campus.
Your Advantages at Madison College
On-campus classes with industry-accredited, experienced interior design faculty to master professional skills and industry tools and software.
- Focus on the latest interior design trends such as sustainable or “green” design and aging-in-place.
- Instructor insights into workplace challenges and opportunities for interior designers.
- Hands-on career training through field trips, industry trade shows, and internships in the professional interior design community.
- Build industry network through relationships with professional organizations such as American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), International Interior Design Association (IIDA), and National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).
- MATC’s annual portfolio show where soon-to-be interior design graduates show their work to potential employers and the public.
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Interior Design Careers
Earning your associate degree in Interior Design at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for a range of professional positions in the design industry, including:
- Interior Designer
- Kitchen and Bath Designer
- Corporate In-House Designer
- Commercial Designer
- Facilities Planner
- Sales Representative
- Home Decorator
- Home Stager
Madison College graduates are employed by interior design firms, furniture stores, flooring stores, paint and decorating centers, building centers, kitchen and bath design firms, office dealerships and corporations.
Successful interior designers are creative and visually sensitive individuals who enjoy working with people and the components of interior design. They are organized and decisive with the ability to follow through on all tasks, as well as effective sales-oriented communicators.
Strong Job Opportunities
Graduates who complete their associate degree through Madison College's Interior Design Program are recognized as top candidates for entry-level interior designer positions with employers throughout the Madison area.
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester10-304-100Introduction to Interior Design
This orientation course focuses on the interior design profession, the personal qualities and aptitudes of the interior designer, and the broad range of career opportunities and tasks performed. The course also offers students an introduction to the requirements and demands of the program and a career in the interior design industry.1 credit10-304-102Studio 1 - Visual Design
The focus of this course is on the principles and elements of design that form the conceptual basis from which to solve and evaluate design problems. Students will explore a variety of techniques to clearly communicate conceptual design ideas including oral, written, and visual techniques.3 credits10-304-106Construction and Drafting for Interior Design
This course will focus on construction methods and materials through manual drafting techniques and technical drafting conventions. Systems integration of plumbing, electrical, lighting, code regulations and materials will be explored.3 credits10-304-107Furniture and Textiles
Interior Design textiles, their construction, testing methods and uses are the premise of this course. Furniture construction and use of textiles in furniture is also explored.?3 credits10-304-177Technology for Interior Design 1
This course will provide basic introductions to software used in the interior design industry. Introduces students to computer-aided drawing for interior design of two-dimensional with a focus on technical drawing conventions for construction documents.2 credits10-801-195Written Communication
Develops workplace writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on workplace subject matter and content.3 creditsSecond Semester10-304-120Tech for Interior Design 2
This course will build upon Technology for Interior Design 1 coursework with continuation of two-dimensional technical drawing conventions and introduction to three-dimensional and rending software programs as methods to communicate design solutions.3 credits10-304-123Studio 2 - Space Planning
This course introduces foundational concepts and methods of planning and arranging spaces and furnishings for both residential and commercial interior environments. Emphasis will be placed on human factors, codes, universal design and professional standards emphasizing the design process.3 credits10-304-127Materials and Estimating
This course focuses on interior finishes, materials, and the estimate of those materials for commercial and residential applications.3 credits10-304-129History of Interior Design
This course focuses on furniture and architecture from Egyptian up to Modern, as well as the history of the Interior Design Profession.3 credits10-304-142Professional Practice for Interior Design
This course focuses on essential interior design business practices, procedures, fees, contracts, forms and job placement skills including resume preparation. Students will also explore skills for selling services, products and design solutions as they relate to the field of interior design.3 credits10-801-196Oral/Interpersonal Communication
Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.3 creditsThird Semester10-304-125Residential Design
This course is an introduction to creating functional and aesthetically pleasing residential interiors. Students will build and apply their skills, knowledge and understanding of the design process and professional practices. Emphasis will be placed on creative problem solving, furniture, material and finish selection and specification, sustainability, lighting theories and effective communication using industry standards.3 credits10-304-134Commercial Design 1
This course focuses on the design, specification and documentation of commercial spaces using conventional furniture and open office systems. Students apply their knowledge of materials, finishes, furniture, lighting and building construction through all phases of the design process. In addition, students develop the CAD skills necessary to produce typical project drawings and documentation for a comprehensive commercial design problem.3 credits10-304-179Kitchen and Bath Design 1
This course will cover the materials of Kitchen and Bathrooms as well as the design and estimating of these rooms. Design will include industry used drawing software.3 credits10-304-180Technology for Interior Design 3
Building upon Technology for Interior Design 2, this course will continue to explore three-dimensional and rendering software programs used in the interior design profession.2 credits10-804-123Math with Business Applications
This course integrates algebraic concepts, proportions, percents, simple interest, compound interest, annuities, and basic statistics with business/consumer scenarios. It also applies math concepts to the purchasing/buying and selling processes.3 credits10-809-197Contemporary American Society
This is an interdisciplinary course covering issues that illustrate how our traditional institutions (such as family, education, media, the workplace, the economy and government) are being changed by global political, demographic, multicultural and technological trends. By exploring contemporary issues, students expand their use of critical-thinking skills.3 creditsFourth Semester10-304-147Portfolio Development
This course will provide students with direction and guidance to develop and prepare a professional portfolio for both the Annual Portfolio Show and employment. Students will investigate a variety of manual and digital methods allowing for effective visual composition, organization and document assembly to showcase their skills and strengths. Further emphasis will include final resume preparation, advanced interview and professional networking skills.2 credits10-304-148Design Around the World
This course explores the cultural and geographical backgrounds in Interior Design. Focused around diversity, equity, and inclusion, this in depth, advanced study of Interior Design will allow students to take into consideration a client’s identity, socio-economic, and/or cultural backgrounds. This course helps the student analyze the reasons behind design decisions that make people feel comfortable in well-designed spaces.3 credits10-304-182Interior Design Internship
Provides an opportunity to gain pragmatic work experience through supervised internships at an approved job site to gain practical knowledge of the interior design skills learned in the classroom. Students will focus on ethics, professional conduct, compensation methods, administration and project management skills as they relate to the profession of Interior Design.3 credits10-304-189Kitchen and Bath Design 2
Going beyond the rooms of kitchen and bath, designers often work on other spaces in a residential home like the home office, laundry room, mud room, bar and entertainment areas, built-ins around a fireplace, and more. Students will study current design trends on these spaces as well as specification of products, including how to use a semi-custom cabinet line to modify the cabinetry used. Computer software programs such as 2020 and others will be used.2 credits10-304-190Commercial Design 2
This course is a continuation of Commercial Design 1. This course will explore advanced applications of commercial design. Students apply their knowledge of materials, finishes, furniture, lighting and building construction through all phases of the design process.2 credits10-809-199Psychology Of Human Relations
This course explores the relationship between general psychological principles and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding is applied to human relations at home and on the job.3 credits -
How to Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now – Limited Seats Available!
This program has limited capacity and may reach maximum enrollment quickly. Applying early gives you the best chance of securing a spot.
- Program capacity: 45 spots each Fall
- Estimated Wait Time: 0-1 year
Submitting your application now ensures you're considered as soon as space becomes available. If the program reaches capacity, a waiting list will be used to manage additional qualified applicants.
Learn more in the After You Apply section on this page.
Application Dates
Fall 2026
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2026
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
3. Residency Requirement
Per Wisconsin Statute TCS-10 because this program has a waitlist:
- Out-of-state residents (except Minnesota residents*) are not eligible for admission consideration to this program
- Non-district state residents
- May only be considered after January 1 for the upcoming fall term
- *Minnesota residents are considered non-district state residents for admission purposes
Additional Notes
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a program or waiting list does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the program.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Interior Design career.
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After You Apply
This program uses a waiting list to manage program admission due to capacity limitations and high program demand. This means there are typically more applicants than there are open seats in the program.
A waiting list helps us manage applications in a way that is fair and transparent.
- Students on the waiting list receive priority in future terms based on the date they complete all application requirements.
- Priority does not guarantee a spot in the program.
- You may remain on the waiting list if you continue to follow the steps to notify Madison College of your continued interest.
Learn more about waiting lists and Admission to Programs with Limited Capacity.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at enrollmentservices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
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Transfer Opportunities
Wisconsin Private Schools
Student who earn an Associate Degree from Madison College can transfer a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 72 credits to Lakeland College to be applied to the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree.Out-of-State Schools
Franklin University will guarantee acceptance of Madison College graduates with an AA, AS, or AAS. Madison College graduates will have junior standing at Franklin University and may transfer up to 94 additional credits toward their baccalaureate degree. -
Career Outcomes
After completing the Interior Design program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to:
- Integrate the codes and standards that impact the interior environment.
- Model professional practices of the Interior Design industry.
- Validate the design process.
- Evaluate design decisions within the parameters of the built environment.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 11 16 12 Number of Surveys Sent 11 15 12 Number of Surveys Returned 7 6 7 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 6 6 5 Percent Available for Employment 85.7% 100.0% 71.4% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 14.3% 0.0% 28.6% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 5 5 4 Percent of Graduates Employed 83.3% 83.3% 80.0% Employed in Related Occupation 5 5 4 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0 0 0 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 1 1 1 Percent Seeking Employment 16.7% 16.7% 20.0% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 2.9 3 3.7 Number of Satisfaction Responses 7 6 7 Very Satisfied (4) 1 1 5 Percent Very Satisfied 14.3% 16.7% 71.4% Satisfied (3) 4 4 2 Percent Satisfied 57.1% 66.7% 28.6% Unsatisfied (2) 2 1 0 Percent Unsatisfied 28.6% 16.7% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 7 6 7 Preparation for Getting a Job 5 4 1 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 71.4% 66.7% 14.3% Career Change 1 1 4 Percent Career Change 14.3% 16.7% 57.1% Improvement of Existing Skills 0 0 1 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 0.0% 0.0% 14.3% Preparation for Further Education 0 0 0 Percent Preparation for Further Education 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Personal Interest 1 1 1 Percent Personal Interest 14.3% 16.7% 14.3% Other 0 0 0 Percent Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 5 5 4 Before Enrollment 0 0 1 Percent Before Enrollment 0.0% 0.0% 25.0% While Attending the College 3 1 0 Percent While Attending the College 60.0% 20.0% 0.0% After Training at the College 2 4 3 Percent After Training at the College 40.0% 80.0% 75.0% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 5 5 4 In College District 4 2 3 Percent In College District 80.0% 40.0% 75.0% In Wisconsin, Not in District 1 3 1 Percent of In Wisconsin 20.0% 60.0% 25.0% Outside of Wisconsin 0 0 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Employer Location Unknown 0 0 0 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 4 3 4 Average Monthly Wage $3,169 $3,932 $5,374 Average Hourly Wage $18.43 $22.86 $31.24 Average Work Hours per Week 41.5 38.7 38.8 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 1 1 Average Hourly Wage $18.00 $22.00 Average Work Hours per Week 24.0 24.0 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Dream House Dream Kitchens Design Engineer Floor & Decor Designer KBS Design-Build Manager/Designer Sun Prairie Precision Design Build Lead Interior Designer * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu
