Pittsburgh — The Art Institute of Pittsburgh has announced plans to begin enrollment for a new Associate of Science Degree Program in kitchen and bath design.

The program, Institute officials said, was created as a reflection of growth in demand “for specialized design professionals equipped to work with educated homeowners.”

Specialized courses will prepare graduates to pursue entry-level positions in the design industry, school officials noted. Courses will include studies in color theory, materials and finishes, cabinet construction, appliance design, green design, lighting, presentation skills, space planning, budget planning, and plumbing installation.

Professional experience will be gained through a required 160-hour internship designed to expose students to real projects prior to graduation. Students will graduate with an interview-ready portfolio demonstrating both creative and technical problem-solving skills necessary to complete residential kitchen and bath projects, school officials said.

The Art Institute’s degree program was created with the guidance of the National Kitchen & Bath Association, said Kelly Spewock, academic department director of interior design. Spewock added that program graduates will be taught the requisite knowledge and skills necessary to pass the NKBA certification exam.