Interior Architecture (MIArch)

Our master of interior architecture degree allows students to complete an accredited professional degree in a stimulating academic environment that is characterized by cooperation, rigor, and a commitment to human quality in the interior environment.

Track I

Eligible applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited four-year U.S. college or university OR hold an equivalent credential from a qualifying international institution.

Track II

Eligible applicants must hold an interior architecture/design or architecture bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited four-year U.S. college or university OR hold an equivalent credential from a qualifying international institution.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Analyze complex design issues and develop meaningful and creative design solutions while addressing theoretical, historical, behavioral, cultural, economic, technological, ecological, social, cultural, and political aspects of the design problems, and applying evidence-based knowledge of human experience/behavior, building construction/systems, light/color theories, products/materials, and building codes.
• Employ all aspects of the design process with various media recording and communication and space-making tools to create convincing design solutions and effectively communicate them visually and verbally, as well as in writing. Students understand the principles, processes, and responsibilities that define the profession and the value of interior architecture to society and social changes.
• Collaborate and participate in interdisciplinary teams and are prepared to maximize their effectiveness in leadership roles or as contributing team members.
• Understand that thinking critically and applying these thoughts in their design development is essential for taking on initiative and pushing boundaries for themselves and the professions.

Professional Master of Interior Architecture Degree Requirements

The professional, CIDA-accredited master of interior architecture (MIArch) degree program prepares students for careers in interior design practice and careers in allied professions that contribute to shaping the built environment.

The department offers two tracks of study. Track I typically takes 10 terms to complete. Track II is a six-term advanced placement program.

Track I

Students enrolled in the MIArch Track I program must complete the following:

Track I students typically complete all or most of the MIArch degree requirements at the University of Oregon, and begin the program the summer before their first full academic year of study. Students with bachelor’s degrees (BA, BS) other than a preprofessional degree in interior design, interior architecture, or architecture must apply to the Track I program. 

Track II

¹

Subject area electives and seminars may be taken any term and in any order; one 3-credit (minimum) subject area elective must be an approved design arts course (not technology or media).

Applicants who have a four-year preprofessional degree in an environmental design discipline (interior architecture, interior design, or architecture) and an equivalent amount of professional studio and course work may be considered for Track II. Students admitted into Track II begin their studies fall term. Track II students must fulfill the same professional curriculum requirements as those in the Track I program, but are admitted with advanced standing in studio and subject-area courses. Transfer credit may be given to students who have had academic experience in an interior architecture or design program accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, or an architecture program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The extent of this advanced standing is determined in consultation with the department academic advisor before beginning the program, and the student's advanced standing is reevaluated at intervals. This preliminary evaluation of transfer credit is provisional, pending satisfactory completion of three terms in residence.

Track II students may receive credit for up to four previously taken design studios and up to 50 credits of subject-area courses. Students usually complete a minimum of six terms and the approximately 87 credits in residence.

MIArch Track I Sample Plan of Study

¹

May be waived for students with appropriate background in design computing.

²

Subject area electives and seminars may be taken any term and in any order; one 3-credit (minimum) subject area elective must be an approved design arts course (not technology or media).