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School of Art and Design

Interior Architecture, BS

As an Interior Architecture student, you’ll learn to identify, research and creatively solve problems in the design of functional and high-quality interior environments. You'll explore different approaches to design, interior construction, sustainable practices, interior materials and building codes.

Within the program, you'll actively engage in programming, design analysis and space planning in interior settings. Our students prepare both computer-aided and hand-rendered drawings and documents outlining their specifications for aesthetically pleasing interiors that meet client needs, enhance quality of life and ensure public safety and well-being.

A portfolio review is not required for admission to the Interior Architecture Program.

Your Degree Plan The ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

Our graduates do much more than design houses; they design hospitals and hotels, offices and schools, textiles and furniture. They represent manufacturers, create lighting systems and preserve historic buildings.

As a freshman, you'll take introductory interior design classes right away and are evaluated at the end of your first year. Entry into the program is competitive — a cohort of the top 20 are selected based on their performance in the Interior Design courses, projects and overall grade point average.

After your freshman year, you’ll progress through the rest of the program with the same cohort of students, which will become a valuable support system. An internship or study abroad experience is required, and internships often lead to employment in your aspirational career choice. Students take portfolio-building and professional development courses prior to their internship experiences.

ÃØÉ«´«Ã½'s Interior Architecture Program prepares you to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Exam after the required two years of professional experience. The NCIDQ is the industry's recognized indicator of proficiency in interior design principles and a designer's commitment to the profession.

Interior Architecture majors are also encouraged to participate in a wide variety of clubs and extracurricular activities across the campus, such as the Solar House Decathlon and the ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ Chapter of the The American Society of Interior Designers.

Computer Requirements
Each student entering the first year of the Interior Architecture major is expected to use a personal laptop computer that meets the .

Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:

  • ID 115:
    Introduction to Architectural Design and Graphics

    Introduction to the principles and elements of design and their applications in analyzing, interpreting, developing, and communicating architectural spaces.

  • ID 165S:
    Architecture and Design Foundations Studio

    Introduction to architectural design and communication processes utilizing concept development and the principles and elements of design.

  • ID 265S:
    Architectural Interior Design and Graphics 2 Studio

    Introduction to the design of architectural, typological elements and compositions with an emphasis on spatial development and human accommodation. Students examine precedents by significant architects and designers and use their findings to inform design decisions. Design diagramming, modeling (digital and physical), and graphic communication are stressed.

  • ID 280:
    History of the Architectural Interior 2

    Architectural interiors of the modern period within their geographical, political, aesthetic, social, technological, and economic contexts. Focus on European and American developments in a globalized world.

  • ID 335:
    Light and Color in Architectural Interiors

    Introduction to the theories and practices of lighting design with an emphasis on the relationships between light, color, and well-being within architectural interiors. Overview of the principles of light quality, quantity, distribution, and color rendering for residential and contract spaces. Application of lighting calculations, modeling, and graphic illustrations to the development of interior lighting schemes.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ Honors College. Two programs are offered: for first- and second-year students and for third- and fourth-year students.

The ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • Curriculum includes either an internship or semester abroad.
  • Field trips to New York and Pittsburgh.
  • Accredited by the .
  • Graduates are -eligible.
  • Dedicated studio spaces.
  • Scholarships awarded annually.
  • Connect with professionals in your field of study and enhance your professional communication skills.
Scholarships

Over 92% of ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

  • Students are required to have at least one internship or study abroad experience, and take portfolio-building and professional development courses prior to the internship.
  • Network with industry professionals and program alumni both in the classroom and through field trips to New York and Pittsburgh.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Interior Designers

Plan, design, and furnish interiors of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. Formulate design which is practical, aesthetic, and conducive to intended purposes, such as raising productivity, selling merchandise, or improving life style. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.

Median Salary: $62,510

Possible job titles include: Decorating Consultant, Design Manager, Interior Designer, Showroom Executive Director.

Explore Career

Commercial and Industrial Designers

Develop and design manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.

Median Salary: $76,250

Possible job titles include: Design Engineer, Industrial Designer, Mold Designer, Product Designer, Sign Designer.

Explore Career

Career options

Recent alumni of the program are employed by interior design and architecture firms and work in the hospitality, education, office, healthcare and real estate development sectors.

Some have followed paths in design publishing, product sales, social media and entrepreneurship.

Others have pursued graduate degrees in fields like architecture, historic preservation and sustainability studies.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to ÃØÉ«´«Ã½'s Interior Architecture major, first-time freshmen must meet ÃØÉ«´«Ã½'s . Interested in transferring? Review the .

Tuition and Aid

How much does Interior Architecture at ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ System campus.

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Interior Architecture major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to ÃØÉ«´«Ã½.

Review the to see if your institution is listed.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ family.

Want to know more about Interior Architecture at ÃØÉ«´«Ã½? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

Visit

​​Experiencing campus is the best way to see if ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ is the right fit. Choose from in-person and virtual options.

Visit ÃØÉ«´«Ã½

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission using our convenient online application.