Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Interior Architecture (IA) program at KU is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, professional education that prepares graduates to be leaders in the interior architecture and design professions. In October 2022, the IA Program received the CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation) Candidacy status.
Through career-focused instruction in a collaborative studio environment, students learn to create innovative, equitable, and meaningful interior environments that support the human condition and improve the ecological health of the planet. Research-driven, evidence-based, and human-centered design processes are reinforced by learning experiences that reflect the present and future practice.
The four-year program is aligned with the School's accredited Master of Architecture degree. With less than two years of additional courses, students may complete the requirements for an innovative, joint Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture - Master of Architecture degree.
Undergraduate Admission
All prospective students must complete the online University of Kansas application. This application serves as the application for admission to KU, University Scholarships, and the Architecture program. In addition, students must submit an Architecture Interest Profile and Resume to be considered for admission. Admission is highly selective and competitive. For questions about your application and the process reach out by email to jweaver@ku.edu or by phone 785-864-3167 for more information.
Applications
Applications for the Fall semester should be submitted during the student’s senior year in high school. The priority application deadline is November 1, and the final application deadline is February 1. Completed applications are reviewed, and applicants are notified of their admission status. A complete application includes sixth-semester transcript, ACT scores, and a list of courses in progress. Applications received after February 1 are considered but are less likely to be accepted due to space limitations.
Complete the online KU application by going to www.admissions.ku.edu and selecting the School of Architecture and Design, and then selecting the appropriate degree. This online application will serve as both your application for admission to KU and to the School of Architecture and Design. Make sure that you complete and submit the Architecture Interest Profile which will become part of the online application once you’ve selected your degree.
High School Students
High school students are encouraged to apply for admission if they have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 and have a minimum ACT of 23 or a minimum SAT of 1050 and if they meet the following preparation thresholds by the time they graduate:
. 3 or more years of math ending with calculus (preferred)
. 3 or more years of natural science including physics
. 3 or more art/drawing classes. Art/drawing classes are preferred over additional drafting or technical courses (1 semester of drafting is adequate).
Transfer Students
Transfer students should apply by October 1 for the spring semester and by the priority deadline of November 1 for the summer and fall terms. The final application deadline is February 1. Space limitations apply to transfer students. Transfer applications received after February 1 are considered if space is available and if students have an overall grade-point average of at least 3.0. Students who plan to transfer into the Interior Architecture program should contact the Architecture and Design Office by email at jweaver@ku.edu or by phone 785-864-3167 for more information.
International Students
Exceptional students from other countries are welcome to apply to the School of Architecture and Design. Standards for admission are set according to the traditions and grading policies of those countries.
Visit the Office of International Student Services for information about international admissions.
B.S. in Interior Architecture Degree Requirements
Credit hours in the 4-year Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture curriculum are distributed as follows:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Architecture Courses | ||
| IA 205 | Professional Communications Skills | 3 |
| IA 208 | Interior Architecture Studio I | 6 |
| IA 209 | Interior Architecture Studio II | 6 |
| IA 210 | Human Factors in the Built Environment | 3 |
| IA 211 | Building Codes, Standards, and Programming | 3 |
| IA 220 | Sustainable Interior Materiality | 3 |
| IA 230 | Lighting Design and Technology | 3 |
| IA 308 | Interior Architecture Studio III | 6 |
| IA 309 | Advanced Interior Architecture Studio | 6 |
| IA 311 | Interior Construction and Detailing | 3 |
| IA 322 | Furniture Design | 3 |
| IA 341 | History of Interior Architecture | 3 |
| IA 401 | Professional Internship | 2 |
| IA 408 | Design Research | 3 |
| Capstone Course | ||
| IA 409 | Integrated Interior Architecture Studio | 6 |
| Study Abroad | ||
| Architecture Study Abroad | ||
| Total Hours | 59 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Courses | ||
| ARCH 103 | Introduction to Architecture | 3 |
| ARCH 108 | Architectural Foundations I | 6 |
| ARCH 109 | Architectural Foundations II | 6 |
| ARCH 110 | Introduction to Computing | 3 |
| ARCH 340 | Global History of Architecture I: Origins to Industrial Revolution (3500 BCE-1700 CE) | 3 |
| ARCH 530 | Environmental Systems I | 3 |
| ARCH 552 | Ethics and Leadership in Professional Practice | 3 |
| Structures I (required for M.ARCH II) | ||
| Environmental Systems II (required for M.ARCH II) | ||
| Structures II (required for M.ARCH II) | ||
| Building Technology I: Construction Systems and Assemblies (required for M.ARCH II) | ||
| Total Hours | 27 | |
Students must maintain a 2.0 grade-point average to remain in good standing and to graduate.
In the curriculum, students complete 45 credits of the degree requirements in interior architecture studios. Beginning with two foundational studios, the sequence of interior architecture studios gradually increases in scope, content, and complexity and includes a furniture design studio. Additionally, students complete 44 credits of the curriculum in professional lecture courses in digital technology, lighting technology, professional communication, human factors, materials and sustainability, history of architecture, interior design & furnishing, environmental systems, professional practice, and interior construction & detailing. As part of 44 credits of the curriculum, students also complete a professional internship after their third year in the summer.
In addition to the professional courses, students complete 34 of the curriculum in general education courses. These include coursework in Mathematics, English, Humanities and Arts, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences.
Portfolio Requirement
All students in the interior architecture program must maintain a record of all studio work through a semester-digital portfolio in both the 1st and 2nd year of the program. In the fall semester of third year, students must submit a cumulative and comprehensive digital portfolio for review by interior architecture faculty as well as professional interior designers.
Studio Grading Policy
Work evaluated as “satisfactory” is graded C. Work evaluated as “more than satisfactory” is graded B. Work evaluated as “exceptional” is graded A. Work evaluated as “less than satisfactory” is graded D. Work evaluated as “failing” is graded F. Information on the studio-grade appeal procedure is available in the Dean's Office.
Students receiving a grade of D in a studio in any semester are placed on notice by the department, regardless of the overall grade-point average. To be removed from this status, the student must perform satisfactory work in studios in the immediate next semester. If in any subsequent semester, the student receives another grade of D, they must repeat that studio before advancing in the program curriculum and studio sequence. If the student receives a grade of D in 2 consecutive studios, they must repeat the entire academic year in which the first D was given.
Computer Requirement
All students in the B.S. in Interior Architecture program must use a laptop or a suitable tablet in all interior architecture studios. Students must follow a checklist of minimum hardware- and software- requirements when they purchase a computer. The specifications for architectural studio computing are available here.
Substitution of Courses
A student who wishes to select certain courses not in the prescribed curriculum may submit a petition to the Curriculum Management Committee of the Architecture Department.
| Year 1 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||
| ARCH 103 | 3 | ARCH 109 | 6 | ||
| ARCH 108 | 6 | ARCH 110 | 3 | ||
| MATH 105 (Core 34: Math and Statistics (SGE))030 | 3 | PHSX 114 (Core 34: Natural and Physical Sciences (SGE))040*** | 4 | ||
| Core 34: English (SGE)010 | 3 | Core 34: English (SGE)010 | 3 | ||
| 15 | 16 | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
| IA 208 | 6 | IA 209 | 6 | ARCH 590Optional for IA Degree* | |
| IA 205 | 3 | IA 211 | 3 | ||
| IA 210 | 3 | IA 220 | 3 | ||
| Core 34: Communications (SGE)020 | 3 | IA 230 | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | 0 | |||
| Year 3 | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
| IA 308 | 6 | IA 309 | 6 | IA 401only 2 credits are required | 2 |
| IA 310 | 3 | IA 311 | 3 | ||
| ARCH 340 (Core 34: Arts and Humanities (SGE))060*** | 3 | IA 341 | 3 | ||
| ARCH 530 | 3 | Core 34: Arts and Humanities (SGE)060 | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | 2 | |||
| Year 4 | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||
| IA 322 | 3 | IA 409 (Capstone) | 6 | ||
| IA 408 | 3 | Core 34: Social and Behavior Science (SGE)050 | 3 | ||
| ARCH 552 | 3 | Core 34: Social and Behavior Science (SGE)050 | 3 | ||
| Core 34: US Culture (SGE)070 | 3 | Core 34: Global Culture (SGE)070 | 3 | ||
| 12 | 15 | ||||
| Total Hours 120 | |||||
Note: *BS in Interior Architecture strongly recommends Study Abroad. Required for M.Arch II Degree Program.
Students intending to go into the M.Arch II program must take the following courses.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ARCH 531 | Environmental Systems II | 3 |
| ARCH 524 | Structures I | 3 |
| ARCH 624 | Structures II | 3 |
| ARCH 626 | Building Technology I: Construction Systems and Assemblies | 3 |
| ARCH 590 | Architecture Study Abroad | 6 |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Notes:
* - This course is a Required major course and is also part of Core 34: Systemwide General Education. If this course is not taken to fulfill the Core 34:SGE requirement, it must be taken in place of elective hours.
** - This course is a Recommended Core 34: Systemwide General Education course. This specific course is not required but is recommended by the program’s faculty.
*** - This course is a Required Core 34: Systemwide General Education course. This program is approved by the Kansas Board of Regents to require this specific Core 34:Systemwide General Education course. If a student did not take this course it must be taken in addition to other degree requirements.