COURSE CURRICULUM

The Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Furniture Design at Rochester Institute of Technology is a 60-credit, two-year intensive program focused on developing strong foundations in woodworking, design, and craft-based furniture making. In the first year, students are introduced to essential art and design principles through courses in drawing, two-dimensional and three-dimensional design, and CAD drawing, alongside an overview of woodworking and furniture design studio practices. They also begin hands-on training in woodworking, learning how to use tools and explore the creative and technical possibilities of wood as a material.In the second semester of the first year, students deepen their practical skills with introductory woodworking and furniture design courses while continuing to build design expertise through advanced drawing, 3D design workshops, and CAD-based electives. This combination of technical and creative coursework helps students develop both conceptual and practical abilities.In the second year, the program shifts toward specialized furniture-making projects and professional development. Students engage in focused studio courses such as table design and construction, wood carving, bench design, and box and cabinet making, allowing them to apply their skills to increasingly complex furniture forms. They also study ideation, series development, and business practices for artists, gaining insight into how to develop creative work professionally. The program concludes with a senior capstone project that integrates their learning into a final body of work, supported by electives in CAD and art history.Overall, this program prepares students for entry-level careers in woodworking, furniture design, and craft-based industries by combining hands-on studio practice with design theory, technical skills, and professional development.