Program FAQs

Yes, each semester the lab has some open hours. The times are determined by and match the lab hours for the Fashion Department. They are supervised by faculty or an instructional assistant. Signage regarding lab hours is typically posted in each classroom as well as published on our Facebook page.

Refer to the published lab hours. We try to accommodate as much time as possible for students to work on campus and the lab time must be supervised. Do not interrupt instructors during their scheduled classes. Any additional lab hours need to be arranged by contacting the department faculty in advance to open the labs for you. 

With each of the levels in the Interior Design program, you earn either a Certificate or degree. With each of the degree or certificates, you need to apply/petition for graduation. It's best to do this upon completion of each Certificate or degree. Some student wait and complete all 3 levels and petition all at one time. We recommend that you apply and receive your certificates and degrees upon completion of each one.

YES! It is very important to declare your major and the college/community college system, in general, is working toward ensuring that every student has an Ed Plan. Declaring your major helps us track the number of students in the program and helps with scheduling the right sections to keep you moving through the program at a progressive pace.

No. You can take Internship Academy for college credit, but it will not count toward Interior Design Internship (ID 240). We encourage you to explore the Industry through Internships and multiple internships are beneficial to students. Our ID 240 class is supervised by ID Faculty and we are working on the ability to run the course in both the Fall and Spring semester. Currently, it is run only in the Spring semester.

Any request for Independent Study will be reviewed on a case by case basis. If the class is offered at any time during an Academic year, we will advise you to take the course when it is offered. Independent Study should be utilized to explore different and advanced topics in your area of interest and can only be taken one time at OCC.

Yes, it is true. There were a few courses within our program as well as others that were repeatable. This is no longer an option at the California Community Colleges.

This is very important information. The quick answer is yes, you can and should retake a course that you received a failing grade in. If you attempt and fail a course 3 times, you will no longer be able to enroll in that course and must take it at another college. This includes failing grades and W grades. You will also not be able to enroll in that course across the district. An example: You have an F and (2) W's in English 100 as a GE requirement. You will not be able to enroll in that class at OCC, GWC or CCC.