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Interior Architecture Program (M.A.) – Career Changer Track

  • Program Overview

    M.A. in Interior Architecture, Career Changer Track (87 Credits)

    The career changer track of the Master of Arts in Interior Architecture degree program creates professionals who want to pursue interior design careers for commercial, institutional, healthcare, or residential environments with sustainability.

    • 87-credit program for non-design professionals
    • Portfolio not required to apply
    • Federal STEM designation, which provides a potential 24-month Operational Practice Training (OPT) extension for international students studying on an F-1 visa.
    • Individual and team-based learning within an "atelier" design studio setting to acquire advanced expertise for interior architectural practice
    • Integration of theory and practice
    • Personal advising
    • Networking opportunities
    • For information on admission requirements, please visit the tab above. 
    • Interior Architecture Laptop Requirement

    Your path to a creative career starts here.

    interior architecture
  • Admission Requirements

    Admission procedures and requirements for our master's programs.

    Admission to an Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ College graduate program requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college.

    General Application Requirements for all Master's Programs

    To be considered for admission to one of Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ's master's programs, you must submit the following materials. Alternatively, you may submit the following to: Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ College, 376 Hale Street, Beverly, MA 01915. 

    • Completed  and non-refundable $50 application fee (check made payable to Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ College). Application fee waived for Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ Alumni and veteran & military students.
    • One letter of recommendation.This recommendation can be from either a professional or academic reference. 
    • Official transcripts of all post-secondary academic work should be sent directly from the institution(s) including confirmation of undergraduate degree, date confirmed, and any other graduate work.
    • Personal statement. Please include an essay of 250–500 on career goals and motivation for graduate study. 
    • Current resume or CV
  • Curriculum

    Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 87

    Required Curriculum

    • Open Elective* (Cr. 3)
    • IA 507 - The Art and Science of Lighting (Cr: 3)
    • IA 515 - Theory and Criticism (Cr: 3)
    • IA 516 - Research Methodology (Cr: 3)
    • IA 525 - Advanced Spatial Design Studio I (Cr: 4)
    • IA 526 - Advanced Spatial Design Studio II (Cr: 4)
    • IA 670 - Thesis Documentation (Cr: 2)
    • IA 671 - Master's Thesis I (Cr: 6)
    • IA 672 - Master's Thesis II (Cr: 6)
    • IDI 509 - Introduction to Interior Architecture (Cr: 3)
    • IDI 510 - Interior Environments Studio I: Residential (Cr: 3)
    • IDI 515 - Interior Environments Studio III: Workplace Environments (Cr: 3)
    • IDI 521 - Ideation & Visualization (Cr: 3)
    • IDI 522 - Media I: Architectural Drafting (Cr: 3)
    • IDI 523 - Architecture and Design History I (Cr: 3)
    • IDI 524 - Architecture and Design History II (Cr: 3)
    • IDI 531 - Media II: Electronic Media (Cr: 3)
    • IDI 533 - Advanced Media (Cr: 3)
    • IDI 535 - Materials and Specification (Cr: 3)
    • IDI 538 - Professional Practice (Cr: 3)
    • IDI 539 - Interior Environments Studio II (Cr: 3)
    • IDI 540 - Media III (Cr: 3)
    • IDI 542 - Building Systems & Integrated Design (Cr: 3)
    • IDI 546 - Design Portfolio (Cr: 2)
    • IDI 551 - Regulations and Guidelines (Cr: 1)
    • IDI 553 - Contract Documents (Cr: 3)
    • IDI 560 - Internship (Cr: 2)
    • IDI 570 - Capstone Studio (Cr: 3)

    Learning Outcomes

    Upon completion of the program, students will:

    • Assimilate highly technical, theoretical, and sophisticated problem solving methods in the development of the design of interior environments
    • Research, understand, and demonstrate the role and impact upon society that emerging design theories and technologies have on complex interior environments
    • Assess and synthesize project needs and strategies to operate in and communicate within a collaborative and integrated mode with other design specialist and related professions
    • Develop and advance current design principles, theories and academic research, and demonstrate a contribution to design practice, education, and society
    • Develop an understanding, application and specifying furniture, fixtures, finish materials, and environmental systems, controls and regulations to maximize occupant health, welfare, and comfort within interior environments
    • Develop a global perspective for design including an understanding and application of sustainable strategies that enhance users and planet earth

  • Internships and Careers

    An education from Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ College means you will have access to premiere career resources—long after you graduate.

    Whether you are finishing your undergraduate study, adding new credentials, or working toward a new career path, you will find resources through our Internship and Career Center to help you get where you want to go. From career advising to resume support, dedicated faculty and staff are here to prepare you for your next step.

    Recent Internships & Job Sites

    • Stantec
    • Gensler
    • Perkins + Will
    • Elkus Manfredi Architects
    • Tsoi Kobus Design
    • Nelson
    • Siemasko & Verbridge
    • ARC 
    • Dyer Brown
    • SMMA
    • LWA
    • Institute of Human-Centered Design
    • Whitlock Design Group
    • Knoll
    • Visnick & Caulfield
    • Fresenius Medical 
    • Steffian Bradley Architects
    • Lavelle Brensinger Architects
    • Beige and Bleu*
    • North Folk Design*

    *Alumni Owned Firm

The mission of the Department of Architectural + Design Studies is to guide students to becoming thoughtful, responsible and innovative designers who support social values and environmental stewardship through the design of the built environment.

Accreditations

Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The Interior Architecture programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).