Brenau, Athens Tech sign interior design credit transfer agreement

(AJ Reynolds/Brenau University)

Brenau University and Athens Technical College signed an agreement on Friday, June 24, that will make it easier for students who earn associate degrees in interior design from the technical college to transfer credits to Brenau toward a bachelor’s degree.

“This connection with Athens Technical College emphasizes the importance of accessible higher education, and we look forward to welcoming their students into our nationally accredited interior design program, effective immediately,” Brenau President Anne Skleder said. “This agreement allows for us to support students pursuing the arts, a key element of Brenau’s mission statement, and to continue our commitment to student success by creating a pathway for students with associate degrees to earn their bachelor’s.”

The agreement allows students who earn an Associate of Applied Science in interior design from Athens Technical College to apply those credits toward a Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior design at Brenau.

“Our interior design students have impeccable work products that demonstrate their knowledge and passion for the industry. I am excited they will be able to continue their education through this program,” Athens Technical College President Andrea D. Daniel said. “There is a strong demand for this industry in both residential and commercial job positions to create spaces that are welcoming to families, employees and visitors.”

Brenau and Athens Technical College officials after the signing.The interior design associate’s program is only available at the Athens campus of Athens Technical College. Students will be able to transfer a maximum of 65 credit hours from any previous institution to Brenau. Earlier this year, Brenau and Gwinnett Technical College entered an agreement for interior design. Brenau and Lanier Technical College signed a similar agreement for interior design students as well as a second agreement related to business degrees. 

“Many of our interior design alumni first earned an associate degree from Athens Technical College and then graduated from Brenau University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior design,” Interior Design Department Chair Jill DeMarotta said. “We look forward to making this process as seamless as possible for future students.”

Brenau is one of only five schools in Georgia with a professional-level interior design program that is approved by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. The designation is earned through rigorous scrutiny by CIDA to ensure students graduate ready to work in the industry. Additionally, Brenau faculty in the program are qualified by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification. Brenau also offers an online Master of Fine Arts in interior design.

Athens Technical College offers more than 130 program specializations in business, health, technical and manufacturing-related areas with campuses in Athens-Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Walton and online, plus career academies, adult learning centers and continuing education opportunities.