The curriculum balances rigorous coursework, individualized research, and studio exploration, allowing students to craft a personalized degree plan that reflects their creative ambitions. Courses emphasize the historical, theoretical, and social contexts that inform design decisions while fostering experimental practices that incorporate hands-on testing of materials and technologies. Guided by experienced faculty advisors and a thesis committee, each student develops a culminating thesis project that demonstrates innovative problem-solving in interior design.
Students undertake the Master of Arts in Interiors with either a Plan A or Plan B option. Plan A requires 24 hours of course work, six hours of Master’s residence credit, and a written thesis with a research emphasis. Plan B requires completion of 30 credit hours, including six hours of ID 700, in which a student develops a design thesis project that engages in innovative problem-solving focusing on the student’s area of specialization. A common core of twelve hours, comprised of ID 650, ID 655, and ID 659, is required of all students. Students complete twelve credits of additional course work around an area of specialization. For students to be full time, they must enroll in a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester.
Students may choose to utilize electives to concurrently pursue various graduate certificate programs including preservation, universal design, and community leadership.