Undergraduate Bulletin > Interior Architecture > Major

Interior Architecture Major (IARC)

The Interior Architecture program is structured around a continuing sequence of studio courses that help the student develop a deepening mastery of the processes of designing architectural interiors.

The first year presents small-scale problems that take the student through the total design process, from problem identification to graphic communication of the solution. Methods of making and craft are emphasized.

Second-year design studios focus on the development of scale and proportioning systems within the context of interior spaces. Communication skills are stressed.

Third- and fourth-year studio courses deal with typical interior environments, with emphasis on institutional and commercial interiors, but also including residential design, historic restoration, adaptive reuse, and interior product design. Attention is also directed toward the environmental needs of special populations.

The IARC Experience (9 s.h.) offers students opportunities for educational experiences beyond the classroom in the form of study abroad, field study, practicum, design thesis, concentrated electives, or a second internship.

The Interior Architecture Internship provides opportunities for experiential learning in design practice through private design firms, government agencies, or health care facilities.

Accreditation

The Interior Architecture program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).

Departmental Admission

Enrollment in the Interior Architecture program is limited. Students are admitted on evidence of scholastic and design potential, motivation, and self-direction. A personal interview or group orientation is required. Students may not enroll in interior architecture courses without formal admission to the Interior Architecture program or written permission of the instructor.

Transfer students applying for advanced studio placement must present to the Interior Architecture screening committee portfolio and transcript evidence of relevant achievement through prior course work or experiences. Transfer students seeking entry into the program must have at least an overall 2.50 grade point average in completed course work.

Curriculum Policies

The policies of the Undergraduate Program were developed with the best interests of the students in mind. Minimum requirements for overall and studio performance ensure that students understand the rigors of design, and by doing well in an academic setting, will be prepared to enter a competitive work force. Students who fall below these standards in the protected environment of an academic setting where faculty members are invested in the success of each student are not likely to do well in competitive professional practice.

• Students are expected to maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA overall, a minimum 2.0 GPA in the IARC Major, and a minimum 2.0 in their studio courses.
• Students with less than a 2.0 GPA overall, in the IARC major, or in any studio course, will be informed in writing by the Department Chair that a probationary period has begun. Students must raise their GPA and/or studio grades to the required 2.0 during the successive semester. Those who do not will be suspended from active status as an Interior Architecture major for a period of one semester.
• Students earning a D or F in a studio (IAR 101, 102, 201, 202, 301, 302, 411, 412) will be required to repeat the course.
• Students on probation twice within a four semester studio sequence will be suspended from active status as an Interior Architecture major for a period of one year. Students in this situation who are enrolled in 4th- and 5th-year courses will meet with the Department Chair to discuss their future in the department.
• Students who have been suspended for a year may then petition the department in writing to enroll in Interior Architecture courses. The Department Chair will determine the conditions of re-enrollment such as completing particular course requirements, and inform the student in writing of the departmental decision.
• To appeal a decision regarding probation or suspension, students may submit a letter to the Department Chair explaining the current situation and the reason for the appeal. After consultation with the IARC Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, the Department Chair will write to the student regarding his/her future in the department.
• Students in Interior Architecture are required to complete all course requirements before advancing to a successive studio course, unless granted an exception in writing by the Department Chair. Students who receive an Incomplete, for example, in a studio course must complete that course no later than the Friday of the first week of classes of the successive studio. The Department of Interior Architecture recognizes that university policy allows a 6 month period to finish an Incomplete course; however, due to the sequential nature of studio courses, students must satisfy the course requirements of each studio before advancing to the next level. Students who do not complete the course requirements from a previous studio within the first week of classes will be dropped from the studio course in which they are enrolled.
• Students are expected to complete their work in accordance with the Academic Integrity Policy at UNCG. The latest edition is available in the current Student Calendar Handbook or on the UNCG Web site.
• Because many learning experiences occur beyond the classroom, the Department of Interior Architecture has an active Speaker Series and often has guests in the department. These events and end of the semester critiques are part of the educational experience, and students are expected to attend. If an absence is necessary, students must inform the faculty member teaching their studio course of the planned absence prior to the event.

Requirements

I General Education Core Requirements (GEC)

See complete GEC requirements and approved course listings for all categories.

Core Category	S.H.
Students may select courses for:
Literature (GLT)	3
Philosophical, Religious, Ethical Principles (GPR)	3
One additional GLT, GFA, or GPR course	3
Historical Perspectives on Western Culture (GHP)	3
Mathematics (GMT)	3
Natural Sciences (GNS) one must be a laboratory course; each must have a different departmental prefix	6–7
Reasoning and Discourse (GRD) ENG 101 or FMS 115 or RCO 101, and one additional GRD course	6
Social and Behavioral Sciences (GSB)	6
Department specifies courses for:
Fine Arts (GFA) required: ART 100 or 101	3

 

II General Education Marker Requirements

See details and courses. It is possible to meet all GE Marker Requirements while completing the GE Core requirements or courses required by the major/concentration.

 

III Major Requirements

1. Studio courses (44 s.h.): IAR 101, 102, 201, 202, 301, 302, 411, 412
2. Support courses (35 s.h.): IAR 110, 112, 211, 212, 221, 222, 311, 331, 332, 333, 451, 452
3. IARC Experience: 9 s.h. from the following
   1. Study Abroad: IAR 499
   2. Field Study: IAR 432, 527, 531
   3. Practicum: IAR 500
   4. Design Thesis: IAR 501, 502
   5. Concentrated Electives: IAR 536, 540, 541, 543, 545, 547, 548, 552, 555, 560, 565, 578; ART 220, 221, 226, 228, 229, 241, 252, 281, 285, 340, 341, 344, 347, 348, 442, 446, 529; BUS 205, 306; CST 341; GEO 301, 302, 502; MGT 240, 340; PHI 322, 348, 361; THR 140, 351, 370, 544. Other courses can be negotiated for these credits with the student's advisor and/or department chair.

IV Related Area Requirements

ART 100* or 101*; CRS 211.

*ART 100 or 101 satisfies GFA.