Master of Science in Interior Architecture (MSIA)
Curriculum
The Master of Science in Interior Architecture is a 30 credit, post-professional degree for students with a first professional degree in interior design or architecture. Students develop a specialization in interior design that can be applied in practice or serve as a foundation for a career in higher education or enrollment in a doctoral program.
Program Structure
30 credits
For students with a first professional degree in interior design:
| REQUIRED COURSES |30 credits - Click Course for Description | ||
| BUS515 | Statistical Research Methods for Business |
3 Credits |
| This course examines the fundamentals of research and quantitative methodology with emphasis on the use of statistical analysis by business. Topics include statistical measures and distributions, application of probability to statistical inference, experimental design, hypothesis testing, linear correlation, and statistical quality control. Focus is on business applications of statistics using problems and case studies. Course uses computer-based statistical package for data analysis. | ||
| IAR655 | Graduate Research Methods |
3 Credits |
| This graduate seminar is a review and analysis of published research in the disciplines of interior design and architecture. Students are introduced to various methods for gathering information and conducting research with emphasis placed on the selection and utilization of data collection strategies and tools, culminating in the development of a research proposal. Cross listed as LAR680 and LNS680 | ||
| IAR665 | Special Topics in Interior Architecture |
3 Credits |
| Theory, research, and application are stressed in relation to interior architecture through various course topics. Special topics may include design and culture, design for special populations, design for specific building types, programming, post occupancy evaluation, and historic preservation. | ||
| IAR670 | Supervised Teaching |
3 Credits |
| Students have the opportunity to assist with a class in interior architecture under the supervision of a faculty member. | ||
| IAR680 | Thesis |
3 Credits |
| The thesis is independently taken by a student under the guidance of a thesis committee. The final project is a written thesis with original research or a creative design project that is supported by in-depth information information gatheringand written material. | ||
| IAR681 | Thesis |
3 Credits |
| The thesis is independently taken by a student under the guidance of a thesis committee. The final project is a written thesis with orignal research or a creative design project that is supported by in-depth information gathering and written material. | ||
| PWR625 | Business and Organizational Writing |
3 Credits |
| This course teaches students the rhetorical principles and writing practices necessary for producing effective business letters, memos, reports, and collaborative projects in professional contexts. All sections are offered in networked computer classrooms to ensure that students taking the course are prepared for the writing environment of the 21st century workplace. The course teaches the rhetorical principles that help students shape their business writing ethically, for multiple audiences, in a variety of professional situations. | ||
3 electives from any program.
For students with a first professional degree in architecture:
| REQUIRED COURSES | 30 credits - Click Course for Description | ||
| BUS515 | Statistical Research Methods for Business |
3 Credits |
| This course examines the fundamentals of research and quantitative methodology with emphasis on the use of statistical analysis by business. Topics include statistical measures and distributions, application of probability to statistical inference, experimental design, hypothesis testing, linear correlation, and statistical quality control. Focus is on business applications of statistics using problems and case studies. Course uses computer-based statistical package for data analysis. | ||
| IAR530 | Interior Materials |
3 Credits |
| This course is intended for majors or potential majors and addresses architectural materials and finishes. Students learn to select, specify, and apply architectural finishes. They create specifications, execute take-offs, and produce cost estimates for interior construction. Manufacturing processes, installation methods, maintenance requirements, code regulations, and testing standards are covered. | ||
| IAR620 | Interior Architecture III |
3 Credits |
| This advanced studio addresses concept development, design development, and detailing of medium- and large-scale projects. Emphasis is placed on program analysis, user needs, space planning, three-dimensional spatial development, design language and composition, materials and assemblies, color, lighting, acoustics, environmental systems, and building codes and life safety. Prerequisite(s): IAR 525, 635, 610, 518. Co-Requisite: IAR630. Additional Fees: Course Computing Fee | ||
| IAR625 | Interior Architecture IV |
6 Credits |
| This advanced studio addresses concept development, design development, and detailing of medium- and large-scale projects. Emphasis is placed on program analysis, user needs, space planning, three-dimensional spatial development, design language and composition, materials and assemblies, color, lighting, acoustics, environmental systems, and building codes and life safety. Prerequisite(s): IAR 610 and 620 | ||
| IAR655 | Graduate Research Methods |
3 Credits |
| This graduate seminar is a review and analysis of published research in the disciplines of interior design and architecture. Students are introduced to various methods for gathering information and conducting research with emphasis placed on the selection and utilization of data collection strategies and tools, culminating in the development of a research proposal. Cross listed as LAR680 and LNS680 | ||
| IAR665 | Special Topics in Interior Architecture |
3 Credits |
| Theory, research, and application are stressed in relation to interior architecture through various course topics. Special topics may include design and culture, design for special populations, design for specific building types, programming, post occupancy evaluation, and historic preservation. | ||
| IAR680 | Thesis |
3 Credits |
| The thesis is independently taken by a student under the guidance of a thesis committee. The final project is a written thesis with original research or a creative design project that is supported by in-depth information information gatheringand written material. | ||
| IAR681 | Thesis |
3 Credits |
| The thesis is independently taken by a student under the guidance of a thesis committee. The final project is a written thesis with orignal research or a creative design project that is supported by in-depth information gathering and written material. | ||
| PWR625 | Business and Organizational Writing |
3 Credits |
| This course teaches students the rhetorical principles and writing practices necessary for producing effective business letters, memos, reports, and collaborative projects in professional contexts. All sections are offered in networked computer classrooms to ensure that students taking the course are prepared for the writing environment of the 21st century workplace. The course teaches the rhetorical principles that help students shape their business writing ethically, for multiple audiences, in a variety of professional situations. | ||
3 electives from any program.





