Design Environments

Design the world around you and the digital worlds beyond.  

In University of Idaho’s Department of Design and Environments, you’ll study how people interact with built, natural and virtual spaces through programs in environmental design/landscape architecture, interior architecture and design, and virtual technology and design.

Set in one of the most ecologically diverse regions of the country, these programs emphasize sustainability, thoughtful design and real-world application. You’ll learn to shape meaningful environments — from public landscapes to branded interiors to interactive digital spaces — with a focus on function, aesthetics and impact.

Coursework combines design theory with technical skills, and students work alongside faculty and professionals on projects that reflect today’s challenges and opportunities. Whether your interest lies in physical spaces or virtual experiences, you’ll graduate ready to make a difference in how people live, work and connect. 

Design and Environments degree programs

Explore the undergraduate and graduate degrees in the College of Art and Architecture’s Department of Design and Environments.  

Bachelor of Science, Environmental Design (B.S.E.D.): Build the foundation for a successful career in landscape architecture with an environmental design bachelor’s degree that emphasizes sustainability and prepares you for advanced standing in our M.L.A. program.

Master of Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.): Deepen your expertise and prepare for professional licensure through collaborative design studios, community-based projects and global study opportunities.

Bachelor of Science in virtual technology and design: Study art, computer science and animation under the lens of designing virtual technologies.

Bachelor of Interior Architecture and Design (B.I.A.D.): Integrate art, science and business to design meaningful spaces with a bachelor’s in interior architecture and design. 

Enhance your degree with a minor or certificate

• Virtual technologies certificate: Complete 12 course credits and gain applicable knowledge in virtual world-building.
• Landscape architecture minor: Gain foundational knowledge in landscape architecture and expand your understanding of how design shapes outdoor spaces and communities.  
• Design for inclusion and well-being certificate: Create environments for all through universal design, material exploration and people-centered practices. 

Accelerated and integrated pathways

Bachelor of Interior Architecture and Design to Master of Architecture: Interested in also earning a master’s degree in architecture? Our seamless B.I.A.D. to Master of Architecture degree program allows you to earn two accredited, professional degrees in a shorter time frame. This unique feature not only enhances your educational experience but also equips you with a competitive edge in the field of architecture.

Accelerated pathway to licensure in landscape architecture: Earn both a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design (B.S.E.D.) and a Master of Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.) in as few as five and a half years. This streamlined path prepares you for professional licensure and positions you to lead in landscape architecture with advanced skills — all while saving time and tuition costs. 

Accreditation in the Department of Design and Environments

U of I’s design and environments programs hold accreditations that ensure high academic standards and provide valuable pathways to professional licensure.

• Landscape Architecture Accreditation 
  Our Master of Landscape Architecture degree is accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB), meeting the professional requirements for licensure in the United States.
• Virtual Technology and Design Accreditation 
  The Virtual Technology and Design program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the U.S. accrediting agency for art and design disciplines.
• Interior Architecture and Design Accreditation 
  As Idaho’s only public, accredited professional Interior Architecture and Design program, we are certified by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and NASAD. Graduates of this program meet the educational requirements to pursue licensure through the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). 

Discover what’s next

Take the next step toward a creative, purpose-driven career with the College of Art and Architecture. Whether you're designing immersive virtual worlds, reimagining interior spaces or shaping sustainable landscapes, our programs prepare you to make a lasting impact.