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 and Plan B option. The thesis option (Plan A) requires six hours of Master’s residence credit and a written thesis with a research emphasis. Plan B requires 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.
Students may choose to utilize electives to concurrently pursue various graduate certificate programs including preservation, universal design, and community leadership.