Degree Requirements: 10-20 courses, 30-61 credits maximum
The Master’s in Interior Architecture is a CIDA-accredited first professional degree program. Candidates for the Master's degree must complete a course of study consisting of a maximum of 61 credits; up to 31 credits may be waived based on professional background and prior academic experience.
Interior Design Leveling Courses (10 courses, 31 credits maximum)
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 31 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.
Students complete or waive the following courses:
| ADI-S107 | Spatial Graphics | 3 |
| ADI-S201 | Interior Design Studio I | 3 |
| ADI-S202 | Residential Design Studio | 3 |
| ADI-223 | History of Furniture & Architecture | 4 |
| ADI-234 | History & Theory of Interior Architecture | 3 |
| ADI-242 | Interior Codes & Construction | 3 |
| ADI-244 | Interior Materials & Finishes | 3 |
| ADI-S264 | Advanced Interior Design Communication | 3 |
| ADI-S304 | Furniture and Detailing Studio | 3 |
| ADI-352 | Environmental Systems | 3 |
Interior Architecture Requirements (10 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.
About the Degree
Learn more about the experiences and opportunities available within this master's program.
View the Program Page
MA in Interior Architecture Learning Goals and Objectives
Learning goals and objectives reflect the educational outcomes achieved by students through the completion of this program.
| Learning Goals |
Learning Objectives |
| Students will... |
Students will be able to... |
| Gain comprehensive knowledge of design theory, history, communication and design skills, sustainable and socially responsible design |
- Have a foundation in the fundamentals of art and design; theories of design, sustainable design and human behavior and discipline related history
- Understand and apply the knowledge, skills, processes, and theories of interior design |
| Gain career-oriented education |
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate design ideas effectively
- Develop the attitudes, traits, and values of professional responsibility, accountability, and effectiveness |
| Demonstrate problem solving |
- Design within the context of the building systems
- Use appropriate materials and products |
| Demonstrate critical reflection, independent inquiry, and imaginative interdisciplinary design solutions |
- Foster creativity and innovation in their work
- Apply the laws, codes, regulations, standards and practices that protect the health, safety and welfare of the public |
About the Degree
Learn more about the experiences and opportunities available within this master's program.
View the Program Page