Interior Architecture Education and Training
Interior architects have a variety of routes they can take to gain the educational requirements needed to pursue a career in interior architecture. There are over 300 accredited programs in the United States and Canada for individuals seeking to educate his or herself in interior design or interior architecture. However, not all individuals want or need to spend the countless years in school before being able to obtain the employment opportunities available. Utilize this article to compare and understand the differences in interior architectural degrees, as well as the courses a student may or may not take to achieve their academic goals.
Interior Architectural Degrees
To become a fully licensed interior architect, you must complete a 5-year university Bachelor’s or Master’s program. However, there are other degrees such as an associate’s degree or a certificate that require less schooling and still allow you to work in the field of interior architecture. Here’s a brief description of each of the different degrees you can earn:
Certificates- Casual learners like this type of curriculum, as certification classes tend to be introductory or beginner type courses. Certificate degrees can usually be achieved within months, and credits can be applied to more advanced degrees in the future.
Associate’s Degree- Associate degrees can usually be obtained within two years of formal education, if an individual takes courses full-time. Part-time students may find themselves in an associate degree program for up to 4 years or longer, depending on the speed of the student.
Bachelor’s Degree- Traditionally, it takes a student four years to complete a bachelor’s degree program. Many universities require architecture students to study for five years to earn their degree, however not all do.
Prerequisite Courses
Depending on the type of degree you are seeking, some or all of the courses listed below are required to gain licensure in your State. The courses include:
- AutoCAD (Computer-Aided Drafting)
- Architectural Drafting
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Architectural Theory
- Principles in Lighting
- Design Theory
- Business Principles
- Structural Systems Design
- Heating and Cooling Systems
- Occupational and Safety Standards
- Interior Design
- Specific End-Use Applications
- Professional Responsibilities and Standards
- Drafting or Drawing
- Colors
- Art
- Seismic Retrofitting
- Architecture
- Home Economics
- Spatial Planning
- CAD
- Perspective
- Ethics
- Ergonomics
- Design Communication Through Visuals
- Estimating Construction Costs
- Laws and Specifications of Construction Contracts
Associate’s Degree vs. Bachelor’s Degree
The best part about earning an associate’s degree and pursuing a career in interior architecture is the amount of time spent in school. This can also translate into additional savings that bachelor degree programs have. Money saved on books, course fees, supplies, room and board, travel and other cost of living expenses can add up when attending a traditional university, especially if the school or college is out-of-state. However, the downside to earning an associate’s degree is that bachelor degree students gain additional knowledge, experience, and hands-on training while sharpening their skills and networking with their peers, professors, mentors and future employers.
