Integrated architecture and design

The M.S. in integrated architecture and design is a 30-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

Curriculum and courses

Explore architecture, interior design, art, virtual technology and more through an interdisciplinary curriculum that builds your expertise in areas like sustainable design, urban planning and visualization technologies. Across 30 credit hours, you’ll work with your advisor to select a combination of graduate-level electives and core courses in various subjects that expand your technical skills, research process and creative problem-solving abilities. The program also includes a seminar class to offer a supportive community of peers and professors.

You’ll also have the option to choose the thesis or non-thesis, project-based track, allowing you to shape your learning experience around your goals:

• Thesis track: Conduct original research that contributes new insights to the field and prepares you for academic or research-based roles.
• Non-thesis track: Develop an applied design project to solve real-world challenges with innovative, practical solutions — from enhancing urban environments to advancing digital modeling techniques. This is a popular option for students interested in interior architecture and design and virtual technology and design.

Review our Architecture and Design courses

Clubs and involvement opportunities

There are various ways to enhance your architecture and design courses with opportunities outside of the classroom. We encourage you to get involved, whether you participate in real-world internships, collaborate with researchers at U of I’s Integrated Design Lab or study abroad.

Organizations and clubs

Consider joining the following student-led groups and professional organizations:

• American Institute of Architecture Students
• American Institute of Graphic Artists
• American Society of Interior Designers
• Freedom by Design
• Integrated Designers, Educators and Artists
• National Association of Educators of Art
• New World Design Build
• Student Chapter of American Society of Landscape Architecture
• Student Congress of Art and Architecture
• Tau Sigma Delta - Honor Society
• Visual Arts Community
• Virtual Design Society

Internships

The College of Art and Architecture has strong industry connections providing internship and networking opportunities that are crucial as you establish your career.

• Museums
• Galleries
• Libraries
• Public schools (teaching practicum required for art education majors)
• Public agencies
• Private firms in architecture, landscape architecture, interior design or graphic design
• Art nonprofits
• Community centers

University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.

Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.
• View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
• Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.
• Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.
• Connect with your program: Some graduate funding opportunities are coordinated directly through academic departments or faculty research projects. Prospective students are encouraged to review department funding information and speak with program representatives about available opportunities.

If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.

View financial aid resources

Art and Architecture graduate program professional fees  

This program includes a professional fee to support studio resources, equipment and opportunities, like field trips, that enhance your learning experience:

• All full-time graduate students (10-20 credits) - $725.00 per semester
• Part-time graduate students (1-9 credits) - $81.00 per credit

Estimate your total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, books and other educational expenses 

Recognized STEM Program

This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.

Architecture and design contact:
Yumna Kurdiy
kurdi@uidaho.edu

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:

Graduate Admissions contact:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001

Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.

Find Department of Design and Environments faculty advisors.

Take the next step toward earning a master’s degree in integrated architecture design at University of Idaho. To apply, submit the following degree-specific materials:

Program availability

• Concentration: Thesis and non-thesis
• Semester intake: Fall, Spring
  • Eligible for expedited admission for U of I undergraduates
  • Eligible for out-of-state tuition waiver through the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) for qualifying applicants
  • Open to international applicants, including those requiring F-1 visa status
• Deadlines: General application deadlines
• Start dates:
  • View the academic calendar to see start and end dates

University requirements

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or related field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. Official transcripts sent by the issuing institution(s) will be required if admitted. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.
• GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
• GRE: Not required
• Letters of recommendation: Three
• Resume
• Statement of Purpose
• Other requirements: Portfolio of relevant work in this field
• Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
• English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).
  • Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.
• Application Fee: $50

Application and admission process:

Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.

Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.

Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.

International students seeking F-1 or J-1 visas must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to cover the cost of attendance. This documentation is required only after admission.

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.

Integrated architecture and design is an interdisciplinary area of graduate study connecting architecture, interior architecture and design, landscape architecture, art and design, virtual technology and emerging digital practices.

The degree allows students to investigate research questions that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries.

No. The M.S. in integrated architecture and design is a non-professional degree. It does not replace an accredited professional architecture degree and does not independently qualify a graduate for architectural licensure.

It is intended for research, advanced specialization and applied interdisciplinary work.

The program requires 30 credits and is designed to be completed in approximately two years.

Yes. The thesis track focuses on original research and may be appropriate for students considering academic, research or doctoral pathways.

The non-thesis track centers on an applied design project addressing a real-world challenge.

The degree is offered in Moscow and Boise.

Applicants should speak with the program about faculty availability, research resources and the best location for their area of interest.

No. The source states that applicants may hold a bachelor’s degree and have a background or research interest connected to one of the College of Art and Architecture’s programs.

Applicants should demonstrate how their previous preparation supports the proposed graduate direction.

Yes. The program emphasizes personalized research developed closely with a faculty mentor. Your mentor helps guide the research question, methods and thesis or applied project.

Prospective students should review faculty expertise when determining whether the program aligns with their intended topic.

Yes.

The degree is a STEM program recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Eligible international graduates may qualify for a 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training extension, subject to federal requirements.

Accordion body copy:

• A bachelor’s degree
• A 3.0 GPA
• Three references
• A portfolio of work
• No GRE requirement
• English-language proficiency requirements where applicable

The program admits students in summer, fall and spring and is listed as eligible for expedited admission for University of Idaho undergraduates, the Western Regional Graduate Program award and international admission.

Depending on your prior degree, research focus and professional experience, the M.S. may support work in areas such as:

• Design research
• Sustainable design
• High-performance building research
• Urban design and analysis
• Visualization
• Digital modeling
• Virtual environment design
• Design technology
• Interdisciplinary design strategy
• Environmental design research
• Academic or institutional research
• Design education
• Consulting
• Advanced roles within architecture, landscape, interiors or creative technology firms

The degree does not guarantee eligibility for a particular licensed role. Career options will depend on your previous professional preparation and the expertise developed through the program.