Mission
The mission of the Residential Planning diploma program is to prepare students to enter the field by pro?viding a foundation in interior design and decoration including:
The evolution of architecture, furniture, and design;
Space planning to maximize the ef?ciency of interiors;
Textiles, materials and resources for residential space;
Architectural drafting to envision, plan, and communicate projects; and
Principles governing the business of interior design.

Program Description
The Residential Planning diploma program is designed for students who want to learn the basics of interior design and space planning as well as the use of fixtures and furnishings. In addition to these design elements, students will focus on effective communication and the professional practices necessary to succeed in the field. A prospective student interested in the Residential Planning diploma program must be an adult learner with one year of full-time related work experience within the last two years who seeks to update his/her professional skills. In addition, a person must be a high school graduate or hold a General Educational Development (GED) Certificate. Success in this program is dependent on the student having some prior proficiency in design software. In the last quarter of the program, students will develop an individualized portfolio to help them obtain employment in the field within the residential interiors industry, such as furniture, fabric, or flooring showrooms, major department stores, resource room maintenance, and more.

Program Outcomes
1. Knowledge of the field: Graduates will demonstrate the creative and technical skills employers in the residential planning field require which include:
Architectural drafting
Space planning
Architectural and furniture history
Textiles, materials, and resources
Business principles
2. Professionalism: Graduates will demonstrate the professional skills necessary to seek and obtain employment.
3. Professional awareness: Graduates will be prepared for entry-level employment in their field of study.

Diploma programs are intended for students with specific career plans that do not require associate or bachelor?s degrees. Some are designed to provide advanced training for students with partial or completed college degrees; others may be taken by students with high school diplomas seeking career training. The programs include courses offered to undergraduate students in various departments. Because of the focused nature of these programs, prerequisites may vary from those listed in course descriptions.