Integrated architecture and design

You’re a great fit for U of I’s interdisciplinary architecture and design program if you:

• Have a professional background in architecture, design or a related creative field.
• Are interested in a research-oriented learning experience.
• Want to develop expertise in sustainable design, urban planning or environmental studies.
• Enjoy collaboration, integration and critical thinking.
• Are interested in virtual technology and design.

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

Financial aid

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.

For information on FAFSA deadlines, financial aid types and eligibility requirements, visit the University of Idaho Financial Aid Office website.

Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.

Professional fee

• All full-time students (10-20 credits) — $716 per semester
• Part-time undergraduates (1-9 credits) — $72 per credit
• Part-time graduate students — $80 per credit (neither to exceed $716)

The Professional fee supports College of Art and Architecture studios and equipment, student organizations, field trips and student services.

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 & 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

• Education level: Bachelor's
• GPA: 3.0
• GRE: No
• TOEFL/IELTS: 79/6.5
• Number of references: 3
• Other requirements: Portfolio of work

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.

Program contact
Yumna Kurdi
ykurdi@uidaho.edu