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Master of Interior Architecture
Make a dream your new reality
Always dreamed of becoming an interior designer, or looking to take your design career to the next level? That opportunity has arrived.
The Master of Interior Architecture is a professional degree (M. INT. ARCH.) offered by Cal Poly Pomona, College of Professional and Global Education, and has been accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and the Western Association of Schools (WASC).
Designed for the working professional, it is the only Master of Interior Architecture Program in the nation that can be pursued on a part time basis to accommodate those with other full-time commitments. The program incorporates the highest standards of practice, empowering students to build a first-rate professional portfolio of large-scale projects to demonstrate superior design and technical ability.
UCLA Extension students who complete the Certificate in Interior Design, and previously earned an undergraduate degree with at least a 3.0 grade point average, are eligible for priority admission consideration for the Cal Poly Pomona Master of Interior Architecture.
What you can expect:
- Start in Fall semester
- Option to study part-time
- Financial Aid options
Design is movement; it constantly evolves, which makes it an intrinsic factor to human growth. The UCLA Extension Architecture & Interior Design program truly paved my way to become an active contributor to this movement. The faculty—all active professionals in the field—taught me the language of design, which is now my most powerful tool of creative expression.
Sybille Herwig, ASID, IIDA, LEED® Green Associate
Master of Interior Architecture Graduate
Learn More & Apply
The Master of Interior Architecture application is completed online through Cal State University (CSU). Before you begin, please contact Cal Poly Pomona if you have questions about admission requirements, application materials and deadlines.
The interior design program leading to the Master of Interior Architecture (M. INT. ARCH.) degree is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 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 Master of Interior Architecture (M. INT. ARCH.) degree granted by California State Polytechnic University, Pomona 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: https://www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements.
Retention and Attrition
Students can begin the program in the Fall semester. The following retention and attrition rates are for Master of Interior Architecture students who began the program per calendar year.
| Year Started |
Retention Rate | Attrition Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 77.5% | 22.5% |
| 2019 | 86.7% | 13.3% |
| 2020 | 89.2% | 10.8% |
| 2021 | 78.6% | 21.4% |
| 2022 | 85.7% | 14.3% |
Graduation Rates
Since students can elect to take the Master of Interior Architecture program on a full-time or part-time basis, the length of the program will vary from student to student.
| Year Started | Two-Years (or Less) | Three-Years | Four-Years | Five-Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 93.9% | 6.1% | n/a | n/a |
| 2019 | 85.7% | 10.7% | n/a | 3.6% |
| 2020 | 66.7% | 22.2% | 8.3% | 2.8% |
| 2021 | 84.8% | 9.1% | n/a | 6.1% |
| 2022 | 80.0% | 20.0% | n/a | n/a |
| 2023 | 60.0% | 40.0% | n/a | n/a |
Employment
Graduates of the Master of Interior Architecture from 2020-2023 employed within 180 days of program completion: 87.5%. Of these, 92.9% were in discipline-related jobs and 7.1% in non-discipline-related jobs.
Acceptance into Graduate Program
One graduate from 2019 was accepted into a Master of Business Administration program for the 2020/2021 academic year. Graduates beyond 2020 did not indicate pursuit of additional graduate-level studies following the immediate completion of our program.
Student data was collected using institutional records and/or a survey that was administered post-graduation. Survey data represents responses from ~70% of graduates.
Can the program be completed on a part-time basis?
Yes, the program can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. It is the only Master of Interior Architecture program in the United States offering the option of part-time study.
Can I work while I’m a student?
Yes, this program is uniquely designed for the working professional, with the majority of the courses offered in the evening. Students can continue working within their current fields or they can pursue opportunities with local design firms.
Where do your graduates end up working?
Graduates have gone on to work at world-class companies such as Hirsch Bedner Associates, HOK, Gensler, HKS Architects, HDR, Johnson Fain, SAA, SFA Design, Avenue Interiors, Wilson Associates, KNA Design, Perkins+Will, Rottet Studio, Walt Disney Company, Timothy Corrigan, Joan Behnke, Rodrigo Vargas, Cunningham Group, Malgosia Migdal, Caisson Studio, HFS Concepts 4, Rockefeller Kempel Architects, SweisKlos, and Martyn Lawrence Bullard.
Is the program accredited?
The interior design program leading to the Master of Interior Architecture (M. INT. ARCH.) degree is fully accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). Considered to be the highest level of accreditation within the field of interior design education, CIDA’s academic standards prepare students for entry-level interior design practice, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The Master of Interior Architecture degree granted by California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and UCLA Extension meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam).
What is the age range of the students?
As a continuing education institution, courses are designed to accommodate working individuals and provide extraordinary learning experiences for adults of all ages. The typical average age of our students is 25-55 years old.
What is the difference between the Foundation Level Certificate and the Master of Interior Architecture Program?
The Interior Design: Foundation Level Certificate program provides an introductory framework of knowledge and skills relating to the practice of interior design. It includes courses in history, theory, 2D and 3D composition, drawing by hand and computer, surface materials, color theory, lighting design and studio design projects. In the Master of Interior Architecture, students learn to develop more sophisticated design concepts that address increasingly complex projects in workplace, hospitality, multi-residential and retail environments. In addition, the advanced curriculum of the Master's program offers courses in building codes, technical detailing, project management and construction documents. Upon successful completion, students earn the Master of Interior Architecture degree (M. INT. ARCH.), and are ready to begin careers leading to the highest levels of the design profession.
Is the degree from UCLA or Cal Poly Pomona?
The Master of Interior Architecture degree is conferred by Cal Poly Pomona.
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona is approved to offer online programs to students residing in the following states. This list will be updated upon additional authorizations/exemptions.
Approved States:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
For information on state-based admission limitations, please visit CSU's webpage on Accreditation and State Regulatory Authorizations.
For questions or additional information, please contact: Alis Zakarian at azakarian@cpp.edu
Expect more from your education.
Study Part-Time
The only CIDA-accredited Master of Interior Architecture Program in the nation that can be pursued on a part-time basis.
Completing this program was by far the most challenging and rewarding educational experience of my life. The instructors are all dedicated practicing professionals, the curriculum is CIDA-accredited and first rate, and the program is uniquely suited to the needs of those who can only attend part-time.
Charrisse Johnston, ASID, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Master of Interior Architecture Graduate
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