Interior Architecture + Design
BS

The interior architecture + design program prepares students for professional-level entrance into the design field. You will learn contemporary design techniques, have access to state-of-the-art design technology, build a personal portfolio, and gain workplace experience through internships.

You will pursue a well-rounded interior architecture and design degree that integrates technical know-how and artistic vision, develops your creative potential, and helps you launch your career.

Accredited by the Council for Interior Design (CIDA), CVPA boasts the only public interior architecture + design program in New England.

Interior architects work for a wide range of clients. They work in hospitality, healthcare, commercial, corporate, residential, retail, and institutional design. Many interior architecture and design professionals work in environmental design, historic preservation, furniture design, ergonomics, and health and safety.

Many graduates of the interior architecture + design program go on to graduate school to pursue a master of interior design, master of architecture, master of sustainability design, MBA, or other advanced degrees.

The interior design program leading to the bachelor of science in interior architecture + design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org. 206 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503.

The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The interior architecture + design program granted by the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements.

View the CIDA Accreditation Interior Architecture + Design Student Achievement Data.

For the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Art + Design - Interior Architecture + Design (IAD), students must complete a total of 120 credit hours. This includes 63 credits for the major, 12 Art Foundation, 6 Art History, 6 specialized IAD History, 27 credits for College and University Study requirements, and 6 open elective credits. IAD 400 internship can be substituted with an approved elective if the student desires.

The program emphasizes applied skills that you can take directly into the workplace. Our project-based curriculum covers exposure to the diversity of the field, including residential, office, retail, and hospitality. You will gain mastery over the technical side of interior architecture and design while developing your creativity via numerous interior design projects.

You will also work on communication and presentation skills and engage in the type of critical give-and-take that occurs within interior architecture and design firms (and between interior architects and their clients). You will have opportunities to intern at a firm, gaining workplace experience for your resume. You will graduate with a professional portfolio that showcases your abilities and makes you a competitive candidate in the job market.

All full-time faculty are NCIDQ certified and have years of industry experience. IAD faculty are a diverse group representing many facets of the field, including architects, engineers, and both residential and commercial designers.

Course descriptions, schedules and requirements

Interior Architecture + Design student work

Student success

Apeksha Prasai '25: Embracing change

Interior architecture + design major hopes to make home country more accessible

Career Placements

Boston Design Center
Cummings Properties, LLC
Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects
Eric M. Haydel Design, Inc.
Group One Partners, Inc.
J. Jill Retail Store Designer
Morris Switzer Environments for Health
Nelson Boston & New York
Parker Torres
Perkins + Will Global
Smithsonian Institution

Internship Placements

Gensler Boston
Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc.
Knoll Textiles - Furniture
LLB Architects
Light Insight Design Studio
SGA Boston
Silverman Trykowski Associates
Stefura Associates Inc
Taniya Nayak Design LLC
Wayfair

College of Visual & Performing Arts undergraduate median starting salary:
$55,000

NACE Data Collection of Class of 2023 Undergraduate Alumni

Research

Group photo of students with Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan

Interior architecture + design and civil engineering students present ideas to revitalize the Fall River waterfront

Visual and performing arts and engineering students design work together to benefit the city's future and leave their mark on the SouthCoast.

Lighting Applications

UMassD advantages

Internships: enhance your studies while gaining professional experience
Computer, imaging & virtual reality labs: state-of-the art workstations, printers, and scanners with industry-standard software
Facilities: designated lighting lab; full access to model making, furniture design, and textile design
Community: participate in regional, national & international competitions; join student organizations such as the American Society of Interior Design Club

International (F-1) students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). To learn about the eligibility criteria and detailed steps to apply, please review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and USCIS resources. F-1 students must consult with the ISSC to apply for STEM OPT.

Interior Architecture + Design faculty

Stephanie McGoldrick wins Manning Prize for teaching excellence

Assistant Professor of Interior Architecture + Design Stephanie McGoldrick teaches courses that range from lighting design to design studios and professional practice, integrating experiential learning and service-learning opportunities into many of her classes.