University of Alberta

Residential Interiors

  • Acquire skills in art and design to take your passion for interior decorating to a new level
  • Achieve outstanding ambiance in any environment by gaining knowledge of the essential elements and principles of interior decorating
  • Use space effectively and successfully coordinate domestic interior styles
  • Understand basic business principles and issues
  • Develop an awareness of the art, pragmatics, and aesthetics of housing and furnishings
  • Understand the basics of wood frame construction
  • Develop excellent interview skills to quickly identify and interpret client needs
  • Develop exceptional presentation skills

Earn a Certificate

Program in detail:

Certificate Overview

  • Part-time study 2-4 years
  • 9 courses all offered downtown
  • Apply now start any time

This unique program (the first in Western Canada) offers a university-level certificate in the art and design of interior decorating. Applying the principles of fine arts, architecture, and business, the Residential Interiors Certificate Program is a comprehensive study of residential interior fundamentals and applications.

Why a U of A Certificate?

Possible Transfer of RI Credits to a Degree Program:
Our students can apply for admission to the U of A Human Ecology Degree program (Clothing, Textiles and Material Culture Major). If accepted into that program, they may have core Residential Interiors credits apply toward a minor in Interiors.

  • Instructors effectively integrate theory and practice
  • Instruction is by local experts in interior design, architecture, urban planning, fine arts, and related professions
  • Students gain considerable practical experience and learn to successfully deal with the challenges of the ever-changing residential decorating field
  • The program is recognized by industry professionals and the Canadian Decorators’ Association (CDECA) as an excellent career entry program
  • Graduates from the Residential Interiors Certificate Program qualify to become members of the Canadian Certified Decorators’ Association.

Further Education opportunities

The department of Human Ecology at the University of Alberta may accept 12 credits (four courses) from our program should you be accepted into their undergraduate degree program.



Next: Prospective Student Profile →





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