Curriculum
As one of the few CIDA-accredited graduate programs in the country, our students are on the fast-track to licensure and are highly prepared to enter the professional world of interior architecture and design. The rigorous graduate coursework emphasizes independent research culminating in a master's thesis. The program integrates design concepts, technical information, and hands-on skills in an integrated studio model that encourages communication and shared learning. The Interior Architecture & Design program is grounded in visual studies, providing a foundation of design knowledge, integrating creative and artistic approaches to experience, and emphasizing the value of aesthetics and craft. At the same time, the program integrates social science research and methods that inform a human-centric design process, contribute to the understanding of human factors in design, and provides a basis for design decision-making grounded in evidence.
Interior Architecture & Design (IAD) Course Requirements and Plans of Study
IAD-36: Professional 3-Year Track, 75 credits
The IAD-36 professional track prepares students with bachelor’s degrees in areas other than interior design or architecture to become leaders in the field of interior architecture and design. Students in the three-year tracks receive the full breadth of the program starting with foundational coursework and progress through increasingly challenging subject matter while building upon and reinforcing developing skills. A portfolio is optional for application.
[IAD-36 plan of study TBA]
IAD-24: Accelerated Professional 2-Year Track, 43 credits
Students with undergraduate degrees in interior design or architecture from an accredited institution may enter with advanced standing into the second year of the three-year professional program and complete the degree with 43 credits. The CIDA-accredited curriculum reinforces design fundamentals, advances technical skills, and conceptual approaches while cultivating responsible and sensitive designers who promote the well-being of the public and advocate for safe and healthy environments. A portfolio is required for application.
[IAD-24 plan of study TBA]
IAD-18: Post-Professional 16-Month Track, 33 credits
The IAD-18 post-professional track allows for in-depth specialization, interdisciplinary research, and custom paths of study, and culminates in a comprehensive thesis research and design project. Students select from a range of elective courses to create a curriculum tailored to their professional interest. The Interior Architecture & Design program is closely affiliated with the graduate MS in Design, the MS in Construction Management, and MS in Urban Strategy programs within the Department of Architecture, Construction, Design & Urbanism, and provides access to graduate programs across the University. These connections allow students to engage and collaborate with experts from a variety of disciplines, preparing them to take leadership roles in the interior architecture and design profession. Admission to the program requires a first professional degree from a CIDA-accredited program and submission of a design portfolio.
[IAD-18 plan of study TBA]
Graduate Thesis
The program culminates in a two-semester thesis process that provides opportunity for the student to pursue in-depth knowledge in an individual topic of investigation under the guidance of a faculty member. This self-directed research results in a comprehensive design proposal and culminates in a thesis design project that is presented orally and visually in the spring of the final year. Please visit our archive of graduate thesis projects.
Comprehensive Exam
The Comprehensive Exam consists of a number of components that must be completed during the graduate coursework: sketch problems, design competitions, professional experience, and a portfolio review. The Comprehensive Exam is intended to demonstrate mastery of the curriculum requirements and prepare students to enter the professional environment.
Policies
The following are curriculum policies established by Drexel University:
For additional information, please speak with the Program Director or the Westphal College Office of Academic Advising