Interior Architecture (MIA)

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Interior Architecture (MIA) Overview

At Chatham, we view interior architecture as an inclusive design approach that encompasses all of the factors that influence the design of interior spaces, including patterns of human behavior, aesthetics, and building technology. The Master of Interior Architecture (MIA) is a five-term (including one summer) on-campus, 72 credit-hour, first professional CIDA-accredited degree program for students with an undergrad degree in a field other than interior design or architecture.
Degrees Offered
  • MA
Program School
School of Arts, Science & Business
Application Deadline

July 1

For fall enrollment, the recommended application deadline is July 1. Applications will continue to be considered as long as seats remain in the class.

Credits Required

72

Program may be completed in five terms.

Cost Per Credit

$1,016

Cost consists of program tuition (cost per credit times number of credits) as well as any applicable University and degree-specific fees.

Did You Know?

Accreditation

Our program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). Visit this page for all accreditation and student data information.

Explore the MIA Degree:

  • Have a completed baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, with an overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
    If a Student has below a 3.0 GPA, please feel free to apply if you show extreme promise through other achievements. Additional Admissions documents may be requested.

Our application cycle for fall 2022 will open as we near the start of fall 2021 (August) courses.

If you have not already, please request info from Admissions to get updated communications from the graduate admissions department on availability of the new application cycle.

  • Completed application for admission, including:
    • Online application
    • Admissions Essay
    • Curriculum vita or resume
    • Two letters of recommendation
    • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended

Admissions Materials may be submitted to:
Chatham University
Office of Graduate Admission
Woodland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Fax: 412-365-1609
Email Admissions

Integrated Degree Program

Chatham University undergraduates applying through the Integrated Degree Program (IDP) must complete all requirements outlined on their respective admission or track tab on the IDP Portal Site. All IDP applicants should work closely with their academic advisor to ensure they are meeting all requirements according to their IDP course of study.

IAR505: Environment and Behavior

The designed environment is influenced by human activity patterns and behavior. This course is an introduction to significant theories concerning the interaction of people and interior architecture. Emphasis is placed on shared human needs and differences based on age, culture, gender, and occupation. 

IAR631: Green and Sustainable Design

Global issues of energy use, resource depletion, and indoor air quality have prompted design professionals to re-evaluate design and construction processes. This course provides students with the knowledge of the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification system to promote environmentally responsible design. 

IAR645: Professional Practice

In this course, students are introduced to the specialized services provided by the professional interior designer. Emphasis is placed on office operations and personnel issues, marketing strategies, project management, contract documents, ethics, and the legal and financial aspects of professional practice.

View Full Curriculum

A solid interior design education yields practitioners who protect and enhance the health, safety, and well-being of humankind. Our programs are also aligned with current issues such as global awareness, community engagement, and sustainable design. The outcome is graduates who are technically savvy and broad-thinking designers. This is what sets us apart.

–KYRA TUCKER, program director/chair of interior architecture

Our Faculty

Faculty members are accomplished teachers, scholars, practitioners, and active leaders in the field.

Full Faculty

The Importance of Accreditation

Employers look for students to graduate from accredited programs, as a testament to the breadth and depth of their education. Studying at an accredited program gives you the greatest choice of types of employers for whom you can work. What’s more, studying at an accredited program means that you can sit for the NCIDQ exam immediately upon graduation.

Intimate Campus Culture

Why study at a small school in the heart of a major city? Simple: you get the benefits of a closely-knit community with all the resources of an urban environment, just a hop, skip and a jump away (and with free public transportation using your Chatham ID).  

Work with Industry Professionals

At Chatham, interior architecture professors are practitioners, with industry connections that they can put to work for their students. Our faculty are also researchers in the industry, writing textbooks and working with professional organizations.  

Assistantships & Fellowships

A limited number of graduate assistantships and fellowships are available to full-time students. These positions provide the opportunity to conduct research with a faculty member, assist with teaching responsibilities, or participate in and organize projects. In addition to providing financial assistance, these positions offer students valuable hands-on experience, expanded learning opportunities, and professional skill development.

View Funding Opportunities : Checkerboard 4 - Assistantships & Fellowships

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Chatham Eastside, where our interior architecture program’s classroom, studio, and exhibition spaces reside, is recognized as a LEED Silver renovation project that manifests sustainable design practices, use of recycled materials, and energy-efficient lighting to create a green academic and social space in an urban setting.

Explore Chatham Eastside : Checkerboard 5 - State-of-the-Art Facilities

Local Partnerships

Partnerships add to the student experience by developing interesting design perspectives and preparing graduates for client project success from concept to reality. One such unique relationship is with Fallingwater, the Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece located in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. We also benefit from partnerships with organizations like the Pittsburgh Chapter of Construction Specifications Institute, which specifically offers certifications and professional education to ensure the effectiveness of collaborative projects.

Rolling grassy hills, historic red brick buildings, and multicolored autumn trees decorate Chatham University's Shadyside campus in Pittsburgh.

Accreditation

The interior design program leading to the Masters of Interior Architecture is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, 206 Grandville Avenue, 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 Masters of Interior Architecture granted by Chatham University 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 this website.

View Accreditation & Student Data : Checkerboard 7 - Accreditation