OC Interior Architecture degree achieves national recognition

The major in the Art+Design program was named a top-20 program in the U.S. by Intelligent.com.

March 25, 2021

Students in Oklahoma Christian University’s Interior Architecture program know they are receiving a high-quality education that prepares them for success in the field, and now other industry sources are expressing the same idea. In March, Intelligent.com, which ranks selective degree programs at colleges in the U.S., named OC’s Interior Architecture program as a “Top 50 Interior Design Program.” 

The ranking is based on data recognized by the industry’s national accrediting body, The Council of Interior Design Accreditation, and each program was evaluated on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost and reputation. Out of the 208 programs at 153 colleges considered, OC earned a spot within the top 20, and was recognized for “Best Residential Design Program.” OC beat out schools like The University of Texas at Austin, University of Florida and The Ohio State University.

Amy Beauchamp, chair of OC’s Art and Design program and faculty adviser for the Interior Architecture major, credited the hard work and dedication of the students, faculty and graduates. 

“When the village works together -- and believe me, we have a great village -- their work speaks for itself,” Beauchamp said. “It has for years, which is evident by all of the wonderful positions and companies our graduates have worked with.”

Beauchamp also noted that the key to their success is based on the core values of the program. 

“I have a wonderful team of instructors who believe in the mission of OC, our students and our desire to create designers that make an impact in their spheres of influence around them and with that, Christ. Our students have been exposed to a variety of project types that range in understanding of cultures, values, income, physical and mental ability, among other subjects that might be different from their norm or worldview,” Beauchamp said. “The community they form as a program helps encourage the others to be better. That kind of relational building is irreplaceable, and will stay with them well past the classroom doors of OC.”

Not only does this honor give the program recognition, it is also beneficial for students professionally. 

“Increasing accolade visibility from a different platform can give current and future students ‘bragging rights,’ so to speak, and that can open additional doors for networking within the industry,” Beauchamp added.