Undergraduate Degrees
Interior Architecture and Design
ACU’s Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Architecture and Design examines how the technical and aesthetic aspects of interior design impact diverse populations in both residential and non-residential environments. Accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, this program will equip you with valuable problem-solving skills to creatively plan and design spaces that prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of building occupants.
IAD students will select a track or support field to complement their degree. Each track is integrated into their 4-year degree plan and consists of 12 credit hours.

Art Track
The IAD degree/ art track allows students to deepen their creative skills while exploring the intersection of art and design. This track emphasizes the importance of visual aesthetics and artistic expression in creating unique and inspiring interior spaces. Graduates will be well-prepared to create visually compelling designs that reflect artistic innovation and enhance the atmosphere of any space.
Art Course Options:
- Photography
- Painting
- Graphic Design
- Printmaking
- Illustration
Business Track
The IAD degree/ business track combines creative design with essential business skills. Students gain knowledge in project management, financial planning, marketing, and entrepreneurship. The business track equips students to manage both the creative and operational aspects of design projects, including budgeting and client relations. Graduates are well-prepared to work for design firms or launch their own design business.
Business Course Options:
- Entrepreneurship
- Marketing
- Management
- Accounting
Engineering Track
The IAD degree/ engineering track provides students with a strong foundation in both design and engineering principles. This track focuses on understanding the structural, mechanical, and technical aspects of interior spaces, ensuring designs are both innovative and functional. Graduates will be equipped to work in multidisciplinary teams, bringing a technical perspective to interior architecture and design projects.
Prerequisite Math Requirements
- If the student does not qualify to take Pre-Calculus II upon entering the program, additional math courses may be required.
Engineering Course Options:
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Engineering
- Structural Analysis
- Engineering Project Management
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS in ARCHITECTURE
Build your career with ACU’s associate degree in architecture, offering a strong foundation in design, problem-solving, and the technical and aesthetic aspects of architecture. While this 2 year degree is a great start, becoming a licensed architect requires further education, work experience, and passing licensing exams. ACU’s program sets you on the path toward advanced study or a bachelor’s in related fields like interior architecture and design or engineering. After completing the two year associate degree, you can continue your architectural training at another university or pursue graduate-level programs to further your career.
Alumni Spotlight
Marlie Chapman
Major: Interior Design
Grad Year: 2022
Current Job: Aviation Project Coordinator at Gresham Smith
Interior Design Magazine’s 30/30 program fosters connections and sparks conversations among rising creatives under 30. This program helps firms celebrate the best young talent on their journey and invigorates why they chose this profession. ACU’s Interior Architecture and Design Program is thrilled to celebrate outstanding alumni named to the prestigious 2024 30/30 list: Marlie Chapman (Hite ’22) in Dallas. Reflecting on this achievement, Marlie shared, “I am so humbled for this opportunity and am beyond grateful for the mentors that have helped open doors and shape the designer that I am today.”
CAREERS IN INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
ACU’s interior architecture program will prepare you to serve a variety of roles in the design profession. Many of our graduates have joined residential and commercial design and architectural firms across the United States. Others have successfully completed graduate degrees in architecture and interior design. You’ll be challenged to develop aesthetic, technical and creative skills to succeed in the job market as you prepare for such careers as:
- Interior Designer
- Interior Architect
- Art Consultant
- Product Representative
- Furniture/Product Designer
- Store Planner
- Design Project Manager
- Fashion Designer
- PreservationistConstruction Management
FAQ
What’s the difference between Interior Design and Interior Architecture and Design?
The Interior Architecture and Design program at ACU is accredited by CIDA, the leading authority for interior design and interior architecture accreditation. The term “Interior Designer” is often misunderstood to mean “Decorator” due to its portrayal on TV shows, but the role is much more specialized.
Interior designers, much like architects, are responsible for planning and designing spaces, ensuring they are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and safe. They must adhere to building codes, fire regulations, and accessibility standards to protect the health, safety, and well-being of the public. Unlike decorators, who focus mainly on surface-level design elements like furniture and color, interior designers work within the framework of a building’s structure, collaborating closely with architects to create cohesive, well-planned spaces.
To better reflect the profession and align with industry standards, we have adjusted the name of our program to Interior Architecture and Design. This change emphasizes the broader scope of our curriculum, preparing students to work both independently and alongside architects. While our program offers a strong foundation, becoming a licensed architect requires additional graduate education.
What are the requirements for admission?
While no portfolio is required for admission into the program, we do have a few key expectations for our first-year students to help ensure their success. These include earning 12 art event credits each school year, creating a portfolio of first-year keystone projects, and completing an End of Year review with faculty. Meeting these expectations will help students stay on track and thrive in the program. By maintaining these standards, we ensure that our students are well-prepared for the highest industry standards and academic excellence.
ACU’s program leading to the Bachelor of Science in interior architecture is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503.
The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior architecture practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The Bachelor of Science in interior architecture granted by Abilene Christian University meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: https://www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements.
The mission of the ACU interior architecture and design program is to prepare students for Christian service in a diverse world by formulating solutions for creative and technically sound interior environments that guard and enhance occupant well-being.
- Apply aesthetic and technical technological skills to positively affect people in built environments practically, creatively, and innovatively according to needs.
- Integrate and utilize historical perspectives and awareness of global and cultural heritage and values in developing built environments.
- Investigate and utilize theories, processes, resources, technologies, and practices required to deliver interior architecture skills and services that support people’s health, safety, and welfare.
- Demonstrate Christian integrity and professionalism through personal actions while serving others
Two-year average 2022- 2023
Attrition Average of Declare Major Freshmen to Sophomore = 17%
Retention Average of Declared Majors Freshman to Sophomore = 83%
Graduation rate of interior architecture majors = 83%
Job placement/time to the employment of Interior Architecture graduates = 87% in two months (2021 -2022), five-year average 2019 – 2023 is 92%
Acceptance into the graduate program of choice equals 100% (1 student)
It is not required for students to purchase a new computer for our program. If you already own a laptop, we encourage you to use what you have for the first three semesters. During this time, students primarily need a computer for tasks such as writing papers, sending emails, and accessing course materials. However, if you are purchasing a computer for college, the Interior Architecture and Design program has specific technology requirements for students who wish to run design software on your personal laptop.
Beginning in the spring semester of sophomore year, students will start using design software. While you will have access to a fully equipped computer lab with all necessary programs, you may prefer to use a personal laptop. The primary software used in our program includes AutoCAD, Revit, and Lumion. These programs are Windows-based and require high-performance computers.
Below, you will find links to the most recent system requirements for Revit. One additional note, students will need a mouse with a scrolling wheel to use the software correctly. The preference would be a bluetooth mouse in lieu of one with a USB key that needs to be inserted into the computer.
COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Here are a few suggested PC laptop options that will run the software used in our program:
Lenovo Legion 7i
Dell G16 Gaming Laptop
Other Laptops at Best Buy
A NOTE ABOUT MACS
While AutoCAD has a Mac version, Revit requires additional software, such as Parallels, to run on a Mac. This setup is not seamless but is possible. However, Lumion is unlikely to function effectively on a Mac, even with Parallels. Students considering a Mac should be aware of these limitations when making their technology decisions.
If you choose to purchase a Mac, we recommend selecting a MacBook Pro with a minimum of 32GB of memory and additional storage to accommodate software and project files.