Program Description
- STEM designated and CIDA accredited program
The MS in Interior Architecture program provides a balance between theory and application, and immerses students in the use of current technologies and sustainable practices. The curriculum ensures that students will be fully prepared to join the profession immediately upon graduation and assume roles in design, production, management or principal positions during their careers. In addition, it incorporates an international perspective and prepares graduates to contribute to projects across international boundaries and to work anywhere in the world. Graduates of the MSIA program will be qualified to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certification exam after accruing the required work experience in the field. NCIDQ certification is recommended and recognized throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Mission
The mission of the Interior Architecture program is to prepare students to be independent thinkers, innovative problem solvers, collaborators, and leaders with high standards of professionalism, integrity, and excellence in design. With an emphasis on creativity, balanced with the knowledge and skills required for meaningful contributions to professional design practice, the program strives to instill in students an awareness and understanding of the global, cultural, social, aesthetic, technological, environmental, and ethical responsibilities involved in the design of interior environments.
Learning Goals/Outcomes
- Examine global and local issues and the implications of a diverse cultural and socio-economic society and the impact of these on the design of the built environment.
- Evaluate the diverse values, behavioral norms, physical, psychological, and spatial needs of different demographic/user groups in the context of designing interior environments.
- Design interiors using an ecologically sensitive approach that supports environmental sustainability and human well-being.
- Research, problem solve and design to generate innovative and creative solutions in the design of interior environments.
- Apply historical and theoretical knowledge of interiors, architecture, art and the decorative arts to the design and analysis of interior environments.
- Engage in multimodal communication methods and work collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary approach.
- Comply with ethical and professional standards of practice and the laws, codes, standards, and guidelines that impact the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants.
- Proficiently select and apply color, furniture, fixtures, equipment, finish materials and lighting in the design of interior spaces.
- Demonstrate knowledge of interior construction and building systems to coordinate the design of a complete interior and to work productively with co-professionals in the making of the built environment.
Curriculum: 2-3 Year, 49-69 Credits
| First Year | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| (Students with unrelated degree) | ||
| IARP 501 | Design 1 | 4 |
| IARP 503 | Visualization 1 | 3 |
| IARP 505 | Hist of Arch + Design 1 | 3 |
| IARP 502 | Design 2 | 4 |
| IARP 504 | Visualization 2 | 3 |
| IARP 508 | Visualization 3 for I.A. | 3 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Second Year | ||
| IARC 601 | Design 3 for Interior Arch | 4 |
| IARC 602 | Design 4 for Interior Arch | 4 |
| IARC 603 | Hist of Design 2 for Int Arch | 3 |
| IARC 604 | Construction Documentation | 3 |
| IARC 607 | Interior Building Technology | 3 |
| IARC 608 | Light and Color | 3 |
| IARC 610 | Text & Materials for Interiors | 3 |
| SDN 601 | Principles & Methods of Sustainable Design | 3 |
| Credits | 26 | |
| Summer Semester | ||
| (Optional) | ||
| May substitute for 3-6 cr. of Yr 3 electives | ||
| General Electives | 0-6 | |
| Credits | 0-6 | |
| Third Year | ||
| IARC 702 | Design 5 for Interior Arch. | 4 |
| IARC 707 | Interior Building Systems | 3 |
| IARC 708 | Profess Practice for Interiors | 3 |
| IARC 709 | Research & Programming | 3 |
| IARC 710 | Masters Proj for Interior Arch | 4 |
| General Electives | 6 | |
| Credits | 23 | |
| Total Credits | 69-75 | |