Admissions

Interested in applying?

The accelerated Master of Interior Architecture program provides a seamless course of study leading from undergraduate freshman year to the conferral of the Professional Master of Interior Architecture degree (MIA). The Accelerated MIA is comprised of 156 credit hours of integrated pre-graduate and graduate coursework. The degree consists of 72 credit hours of pre-graduate coursework which is taken over two years and is followed by 84 credit hours of graduate coursework which can be completed in either three or four years. Students in the accelerated MIA program are awarded the professional Master’s degree without first having to earn an undergraduate degree. As such, no Bachelor’s degree is awarded.

Here is how to apply:

  • Freshman: High school students wishing to apply to the five year accelerated Master of Interior Architecture program.
  • Transfer Students: Community College students with AA degrees in Architecture or Interior Architecture wishing` to apply to the Master of Interior Architecture program.

Degree Tracks

The Accelerated Master of Interior Architecture is a professional 5-year curriculum accredited by the Council of Interior Design Accreditation.

The Accelerated Master of Interior Architecture (MIA) program provides a seamless course of study leading from undergraduate freshman year to the conferral of the Professional Master of Interior Architecture degree. This 5-year track is for students wishing to enter the program directly from high school. During the first two years, interior architecture students complete a Pre-Graduate Foundation in Design curriculum composed of professional core, and of general education course work. Successful students from Pre-Graduate Foundations in Design then matriculate into the final three years of the Accelerated Master of Interior Architecture program.

  • Total Undergraduate Credits           72
  • Total Graduate Degree Credits       84
  • Total Credits to AccMIA                 156

A transition from undergraduate to graduate standing occurs at the end of the fourth year Spring semester after the completion of 120 credits. Students must be in good standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. A Bachelor’s degree is not awarded at any point in the program.

Application Process

Step 1

Admission to the Master of Interior Architecture program begins with an online application with FIU’s Admissions Office. Please review the Admissions website for all University requirements and deadlines. Note that the School of Architecture only admits students during the Summer and Fall semesters, with major-specific courses only beginning in the Fall.

Step 2

A portfolio of creative work that demonstrates creative abilities as well as visual and written communication skills to the department for review through the Get Acceptd website.

Portfolio MUST contain:

Written Essay Requirement
 
Applicants are required to submit one short written essay as part of the application portfolio. The essay should be approximately 300–500 words in length. Applicants may respond to one of the following prompts:
 
1- A Place That Changed You
Describe a place that changed the way you think, feel, or understand the world around you. The place may be ordinary or extraordinary, public or private. Explain what made it memorable and why it continues to stay with you.
 
2- If You Could Travel in Time…
If you could travel to any moment in history for one week, where would you go and why? Describe what draws you to that particular time and what you think you would learn from experiencing it firsthand.
 
3- What Should Never Be Replaced?
As technology continues to change the way we live, work, and communicate, describe one human experience, skill, or tradition that should never disappear. Explain why you believe it remains important.
 
Portfolio
  • This exercise is designed to assess your ability to observe and translate real-world objects into two-dimensional representations while also evaluating your attention to detail and composition skills.
  • We ask that you create three separate drawing compositions featuring a bicycle, a shoe, and a chair. These objects should be rendered from life or from photographs you have personally taken; the use of stock photos from the internet is not allowed. If applicable, alongside your drawing, please include the reference photos you used to create your composition. Feel free to submit any other pertinent creative works.
  • Examples of recent artwork.

Submit portfolio to: Get Acceptd

FIU Application and Portfolio Deadlines

Fall Portfolio Submissions open September 1st, 2026. The final portfolio deadline is February 25th, and the final decisions will be released no later than March 31st.

  • Deadline 1: November 1st (Decision Date: December 11th)
  • Deadline 2: December 3rd (Decision Date: January 22nd)
  • Deadline 3: February 25th (Decision Date: March 31th)

Applicants who possess an AA degree in Interior Design or Architecture, may also apply for the Master of Interior Architecture degree program. These candidates apply to the Master of Interior Architecture and, if accepted, transfer into the third year of the program. Successful completion of the required 84 credit hours of graduate level course work earns a Master of Interior Architecture degree. The course of study usually takes three to four years to complete, depending on the track that is selected.

Transfer applicants must have completed all foundation courses before their first Fall semester to be admitted into the School of Architecture. Click here to view the Design pre-requisite courses.

Application Process

Step 1

Application into the MIA program begins with an online application with the FIU Undergraduate Admissions office. Please review the admissions website for all University requirements and deadlines. UNDERGRADUATE CHECKLIST

Step 2

Portfolio of creative work that demonstrates creative abilities as well as visual and written communication skills to the department for review at the Get Acceptd website.

A portfolio MUST contain:

  • A one-page (maximum) statement outlining the student’s  intentions, aspirations and purpose in pursuing a  professional degree in Interior Architecture.
  • A copy of your most current transcript.
  • Selection of your design and or architecture projects produced in studio over the last two years.

A portfolio MAY contain:

  • Examples of recent art and/or design projects that you have completed on your own or in collaboration with others.  (Please explain what your role was in the work.)

Submit portfolio to: Get Acceptd

Deadlines

Fall Portfolio Submissions open September 1st, 2026. The final portfolio deadline is January 15th, and the final decisions will be released no later than March 31st.

Contact

Mayra Ortega
Admissions and Recruitment
School of Architecture
Office: 305-348-4884
Email: maortega@fiu.edu

The College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts has a team of dedicated academic advisors, readily available to provide guidance with course selection and keep you on track for an on-time graduation. To make an appointment with an academic advisor, call (305)-348-7500.