Curriculum
Degree Requirements: 12-30 courses, 30-85 credits maximum
Leveling Courses
Candidates who have not completed an undergraduate program of study substantially equivalent to a BFA in Interior Design are required to complete leveling courses. The graduate program director evaluates the unique background of each student at the time of acceptance into the graduate program to determine the number and type of leveling courses that are required. Some students may be required to complete up to 55 credits of leveling courses; others will be able to waive some number of these leveling courses based on prior undergraduate experience and professional background. An additional 30 credits of graduate-level coursework is then required to earn the MAIA degree.
Foundation Studies Leveling Courses (4 courses, 12 credits maximum)
Students complete or waive the following courses:
Interior Design Leveling Courses (14 courses, 43 credits maximum)
Students complete or waive the following courses:
Interior Architecture Requirements (12 courses, 30 credits)
Note: The letter "S" preceding a course number indicates a studio course, for which a studio fee is assessed.
Thesis
The Master’s program culminates with the completion of the master’s thesis, an original interior architecture project that focuses on selected aspects of design theory and aesthetics. Thesis Research (ADI-840), Thesis Design (ADI-S842), and Thesis Documentation (ADI-844) are intended as the final three courses in the Master’s program curriculum sequence. Successful completion of Thesis Research is a prerequisite for enrollment in Thesis Design, and successful completion of this course is a prerequisite for Thesis Documentation.
Portfolio Review and Thesis Exhibition
Master's candidates who need to complete leveling coursework will be subject to the same policies regarding regularly scheduled portfolio reviews as undergraduate students. Master's students are required to complete an exit portfolio review and participate in the Graduate Student Exhibition.
Internship
With the assistance of the faculty advisor, each student will identify an appropriate internship site with a local interior design firm. All interns are required to complete 150 hours of work/study within the semester, working under the direction of a qualified design professional. Interns are expected to contribute to the host firm at a high level of design interaction. Although the internship experience is non-credit bearing; students will prepare documentation and share learning experiences as part of the course ADI-849.