Interior Architecture (MSIA)

Have questions? We make it easy to get in touch:

Call Us

800-837-1290

Text Us

412-419-3772 (standard text/SMS rates will apply)

Email Us

chathamadmissions@ngskmc-eis.net

Request Information

Complete our Request for Information form

Or, answer a few questions and we will be glad to help.

Loading...

Interior Architecture (MSIA) Overview

The Master of Science in Interior Architecture (MSIA) is designed to expand upon the education and experience of Chatham University students pursuing their Bachelor of Interior Architecture (BIA) as part of our Integrated Degree Program. Students may take classes entirely in-person or as a hybrid of in-person and online. With an emphasis on design theory, the MSIA allows students to explore a specific building type, user group, or design issue in depth to develop a specialization. Students also have the opportunity to gain supervised teaching experience. 

Please note the MSIA is currently open only to Chatham students as part of the IDP program. For more information on our Bachelor of Interior Architecture degree please visit the BIA website. Students from outside Chatham wishing to earn a Master’s level degree in Interior Architecture should consult the Master of Interior Architecture website.

Degrees Offered
  • MS
Program School
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

30

Credits may be taken on-site, online, or as a hybrid of the two.

Cost Per Credit

$1,089

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

Universal Design

Our program adheres to the principles of universal design: design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people. 

Explore the MSIA Degree:

The MSIA program is no longer accepting applications. All currently enrolled students will progress through the program to completion. Students interested in this program should explore our Master of Interior Architecture program. 

Completed a baccalaureate degree in either a CIDA-accredited Interior Design (ID), CIDA-accredited Interior Architecture (IA), or NAAB-accredited Architecture program from an accredited college or university. 

A student with a current NCIDQ certification can be considered if a baccalaureate degree was completed in IA, ID, or Architecture without the specified program-specific accreditations mentioned above. 

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.

  • Complete application for admission, including:
    • Online application
    • Admissions Essay
    • Academic writing sample
    • Copy of curriculum vita or resume
    • Two letters of recommendation
    • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
    • Portfolio - The portfolio can be sent as an email attachment or weblink

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

International Applicants

International Applicants must submit additional documentation to the Office of Admissions. A list of these documents can be found on the International Admission web page.

IAR661: Interior Architecture Inquiry

This course will introduce students to architectural theory through specific readings that will enable them to establish basic critical reasoning skills utilizing theoretical works. The course will focus on reading and discussing seminal texts while understanding their historical importance to architecture and interior design.           

IAR662: Issues in Interior Architecture

Students are introduced to current writings and discussion related to sustainability and globalization, which are then analyzed for their relevance to the decisions made by interior designers. An awareness of current issues and how the student may impact them provides a framework as students engage in research for their thesis.

IAR670: Supervised Teaching

Students have the opportunity to assist with a class in interior architecture under the supervision of a faculty member. 

IAR681: Thesis

The thesis is independently taken by a student under the guidance of a thesis committee. The final project is a written thesis with original research or a creative design project that is supported by in-depth information gathering and written material.

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
Photo of a student presenting to an instructor

Furthering Your Career

More than ever, employers are searching for design professionals that specialize in a typology and are able to conduct methodical and meaningful design research. Our MSIA program capitalizes on your strong foundation from your CIDA- or NAAB-accredited education and catapults you into the next phase of your career through a tailored curriculum and meaningful research. What’s more? This program can be completed virtually, on ground or hybrid.

Photo of an interior design student at Chatham University presenting designs on poster board while holding carpet and cloth samples.

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 departmental or campus projects.

View Funding Opportunities : Checkerboard 2 - Assistantships & Fellowships
Photo of a Chatham University student sitting between computers in lab smiling.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

The Interior Architecture programs enjoy state-of-the-art LEED Silver facilities at Chatham Eastside including a dedicated CAD lab for design students, five design studios, a resource room housing only sustainable materials and plenty of open pin-up space for informal class meetings and critiques.

Explore Chatham Eastside : Checkerboard 3 - State-of-the-Art Facilities

Do you have questions?

We make it easy to get in touch:

Call Us

800-837-1290

Text Us

412-419-3772 (standard text/SMS rates will apply)

Email Us

graduate@ngskmc-eis.net

Request Information

Complete our Request for Information form

Or, answer a few questions and we will be glad to help.

Loading...
Expand to Get In Touch!