Degree Requirements | Non-Studio Requirements | Studio Requirements
Degree Overview
Grounded in a unique multidisciplinary structure, the Department of Interior Architecture offers a comprehensive accredited professional interior design curriculum. We prepare students to act as independent interior design problem solvers while offering collaborative experiences that will enable them to be valuable team members in today’s complex and dynamic projects.
A human-centered approach informs all aspects of our work from small details to organizing large complex spaces. Our unique program balances design theory with technical learning through courses and exercises that include construction of actual environments, furniture, light fixtures, and details.
Design studio is central to experimentation and learning in the Department of Interior Architecture. Topical Interior Architecture studios focus on real-world design problems that require socially and environmentally responsible solutions and take students outside the classroom through onsite research and engagement with professionals and community members. Individual comprehensive projects in the final year of study allow students to hone their research and design process while exploring specialized topics or areas of interest.
This professional degree requires 5-years to complete regardless of the number of credits you have when you start.
Degree Requirements (225 Credits)
- General Education and Group Requirements: 69 credits
- Subject Area (Non-Studio): 86 credits
- Architectural Design (Studios): 70 credits
Required Courses
Subject Area (Non-Studio) Requirements (minimum 86 credits)
General Theory
IARC 204 Understanding Contemporary Interiors
Design Media
ARCH 202 Design Skills
ARCH 222 Introduction to Architectural Computer Graphics
ARCH 423 Media for Design Development
Design Arts
IARC 444 Furniture: Theory and Analysis
IARC 445 Comprehensive Project Preparation
IARC 447 Color Theory and Application
ARCH 440 Human Context of Design
ARCH 450 Spatial Composition
Design Technology
IARC 471 Interior Construction Systems
IARC 472 Interior Finishes and Design Application
IARC 473 Working Drawings in Interior Architecture
IARC 492 Electric Lighting
ARCH 470 Building Construction
ARCH 492 Environmental Control Systems II
Professional Context
ARCH 417 Context of the Architectural Profession
4 Credits
Architectural History
17 Credits Minimum
ARH 474 History of Interior Architecture I
ARH 475 History of Interior Architecture II
ARH 476 History of Interior Architecture III
ARH 314 History of World Architecture I and ARCH 315: History of World Architecture II (recommended)
8 Credits
All professional degree students in interior architecture must take five architectural history courses, including ARH 474: History of Interior Architecture, ARH 475: History of Interior Architecture II, and ARH 476: History of Interior Architecture III. Either ARH 314: History of World Architecture I or ARCH 315: History of World Architecture II is also recommended.
Subject Area Electives
13 Credits Minimum
Subject area electives include all non-required courses in IARC and ARCH and selected courses in the College of Design.
Design (Studio) Requirements (minimum 70 credits)
ARCH 283 Architectural Design I
ARCH 284 Architectural Design II
ARCH 383 Architectural Design III
IARC 484 Interior Design (Four Terms)
24 Credits (4 Terms x 6 Credits)
IARC 486 Furniture Design
6 Credits
IARC 487 Working Drawings
6 Credits
IARC 488 Interior Design Comprehensive Project I
IARC 489 Interior Design Comprehensive Project II