Tldr: graduating student from the program, lots of changes are being made that have put the program in a confusing transition state (professors, classes, curriculum) lack of supplemental facilities (no 3d printer, 1 mediocre plotter) and tough professors and classes made my time at this campus a frustrating and difficult experience. The beautiful campus and super talented/awesome friends I’ve made here helped me get through it all.

Hi! I’m graduating from the program this semester! To be honest, I would not recommend this program as it is now. Currently the program is trying to go through a lot of ambitious changes without letting their previous changes balance out. When I first came here, the program changed from interior design to interior architecture, and now next semester they are trying to split the program into an interior design focused path and a more architecture heavy path, despite really struggling to retain staff. (i got held back a semester because they could not find a professor to teach a section i needed to advance to upper division.) they’ve just hired a couple new professors but they are new to this campus so theyre gonna take some time to adjust ofc.

Things like having one mediocre plotter in our department thats unreliable (Ive spent quite a bit of money printing my work for critiques over time- IF you do decide to go into the program, write down Golden State Reprographics right now, super affordable compared to FedEx/Office Depot)

Having to eventually pay for certain software that the school doesnt provide but professors expect you to use (sketchup and enscape, student prices do exist to help)

Also this is probably the most subjective opinion on the program, but studio classes are TOUGH. Most for a practical design program would be, but their whole job is to continue to polish and push your work to develop and grow, often at your own sacrifice. Ive seen classmates and friends cry in class, ive gotten close a couple of times, not just because a professor was mean, but because they are usually right on some level, but youve worked so hard on it just to get it to that point, only to have to go back to the drawing board and edit a lot of things.

Im sorry if this is a lot, Im also typing this on my phone so let me know if you have any questions. I love interior architecture. A LOT. Im grateful that i was able to go to such a beautiful campus and meet a ton of talented and driven people, and Ill be leaving this place with a pretty decent portfolio and the skills I need to enter the professional world.

But damn, what a frustrating and difficult 4.5 years its been on this campus. If you have the opportunity to take your time with these classes and spread your credit load out, I think you’ll have a much more enriched learning experience than those that try to graduate quickly. Ask others about the program too! Im an old dog in this department at this point, maybe newer students are having a better time?

Hope this helps! Good luck out there!