Interior Architecture - First Professional Degree (Master of Arts)

The Master of Arts in Interior Architecture (M.A. in I.A.) is designed for students to acquire advanced expertise in design research, analysis, design, and construction of complex interior environments. The Master of Arts in Interior Architecture program model integrates theory and practice.

First Professional Degree: M.A. in Interior Architecture First Professional Degree is an 87 credit, 32 month program, full time, designed to provide students holding an undergraduate degree in an unrelated field, who would like to pursue a new career in interior architecture with expertise in design research, analysis and design of complex interior environments.

Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 87

Required Curriculum

Open Elective* (Cr. 3)

IA 507 - The Art and Science of Lighting (Cr: 3)
IA 515 - Theory and Criticism (Cr: 3)
IA 516 - Research Methodology (Cr: 3)
IA 525 - Advanced Spatial Design Studio I (Cr: 4)
IA 526 - Advanced Spatial Design Studio II (Cr: 4)
IA 670 - Thesis Documentation (Cr: 2)
IA 671 - Master’s Thesis I (Cr: 6)
IA 672 - Master’s Thesis II (Cr: 6)
IDI 509 - Introduction to Interior Architecture (Cr: 3)
IDI 510 - Interior Environments Studio I: Residential (Cr: 3)
IDI 515 - Interior Environments Studio III: Workplace Environments (Cr: 3)
IDI 521 - Ideation & Visualization (Cr: 3)
IDI 522 - Media I: Architectural Drafting (Cr: 3)
IDI 523 - Architecture and Design History I (Cr: 3)
IDI 524 - Architecture and Design History II (Cr: 3)
IDI 531 - Media II: Electronic Media (Cr: 3)
IDI 533 - Advanced Media (Cr: 3)
IDI 535 - Materials and Specification (Cr: 3)
IDI 538 - Professional Practice (Cr: 3)
IDI 539 - Interior Environments Studio II (Cr: 3)
IDI 540 - Media III (Cr: 3)
IDI 542 - Building Systems & Integrated Design (Cr: 3)
IDI 546 - Design Portfolio (Cr: 2)
IDI 551 - Regulations and Guidelines (Cr: 1)
IDI 553 - Contract Documents (Cr: 3)
IDI 560 - Internship (Cr: 2)
IDI 570 - Capstone Studio (Cr: 3)

Open Elective

*Students may choose an elective from graduate course offerings with approval of their advisor.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will:

Assimilate highly technical, theoretical, and sophisticated problem solving methods in the development of the design of interior environments
Research, understand, and demonstrate the role and impact upon society that emerging design theories and technologies have on complex interior environments
Assess and synthesize project needs and strategies to operate in and communicate within a collaborative and integrated mode with other design specialist and related professions
Develop and advance current design principles, theories and academic research, and demonstrate a contribution to design practice, education, and society
Develop an understanding, application and specifying furniture, fixtures, finish materials, and environmental systems, controls and regulations to maximize occupant health, welfare, and comfort within interior environments
Develop a global perspective for design including an understanding and application of sustainable strategies that enhance users and planet earth