Transfer Credit (M.A.)
The Interior Architecture + Design program and the Office of Graduate Admissions are committed to ensuring a smooth transfer process for students entering Marymount’s Master of Arts in Interior Architecture + Design.
1. Eligibility for Transfer Credit
Marymount will consider transfer credit for graduate-level or leveling coursework completed at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), Montgomery College (MC), or other accredited institutions of higher education, following the Transfer Credit Policies in the current Graduate Catalog.
Transfer credit may be granted for coursework equivalent to the Marymount courses listed below. To qualify, students must have earned a grade of B or higher in the equivalent course and, for most design courses, submit a placement portfolio demonstrating required competencies.
2. Placement Portfolio Requirement
A placement portfolio is required for any student seeking transfer credit for design studio or visual communication courses.
This portfolio allows the department to assess your preparation and determine appropriate placement within Marymount’s design curriculum.
Your portfolio should include:
- Representative work from previous design coursework.
- Evidence of design process and final presentation materials.
- Drawings, renderings, and models that demonstrate the specific skills described for each course below.
(See course-specific portfolio expectations in Section 5 below.)
3. How to Submit Your Portfolio
All portfolios must be submitted digitally:
- Upload your materials using this form.
- Email Prof. Jessica Bonness after submission to schedule a transfer advising appointment.
4. Portfolio Deadlines
To ensure your portfolio is reviewed in time for course placement and registration, please submit by:
- Fall start: July 15
- Spring start: October 15
5. Leveling Course Articulations & Placement Portfolio Requirements for Graduate Students
The following table outlines courses eligible for transfer, equivalent courses at NOVA and Montgomery College, and portfolio expectations for each.
| MU Course / Title | NOVA Course | MC Course |
|---|---|---|
| ID-102 Foundation Studio I |
NOVA: IDS 100 Theory & Techniques of ID |
MC: IDES 101 Interior Design I or IDES 111 Interior Design II |
| ID-102 Transfer Requirement: Portfolio and grade of B or higher in an equivalent course. ID-102 Portfolio Requirement: Contains work that demonstrates understanding of foundation design principles or design in a non-residential practice area. Projects must include design process work through final presentation drawings or models. |
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| ID-121 Freehand Drafting |
NOVA: IDS 105 Architectural Drafting for ID |
MC: IDES 110 Technical Drawing and Drafting |
| ID-121 Transfer Requirements: Portfolio and grade of B or higher in an equivalent course. ID-121 Portfolio Requirements: Contains work that demonstrates understanding of hand drafting techniques to create architectural drawings. (e.g. plan, elevation, RCP, perspective, isometric, and axonometric drawings) |
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| ID-122 Sketching & Rendering for Ideas |
NOVA: IDS 106 3D Drawing & Rendering |
MC: IDES 116 Adv Presentation Techniques |
| ID-122 Transfer Requirements: Portfolio and grade of B or higher in an equivalent course. ID-122 Portfolio Requirements: Contains work that demonstrates understanding of hand rendering techniques in architectural drawings. (e.g. plan, elevation, RCP, perspectives, isometric, and axonometric drawings) |
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| ID-204 Foundation Studio III (Residential Design) |
NOVA: IDS 215 or IDS 221 | MC: IDES 221 or IDES 222 |
| ID-204 Transfer Requirements: Portfolio and grade of B or higher in an equivalent course.
ID-204 Portfolio Requirements: Contains work that demonstrates understanding residential design. Projects must include design process work through final presentation drawings or models. |
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| ID-231 Textiles and Finish Materials |
NOVA: IDS 205 Materials & Sources |
MC: IDES 234 Textiles |
| ID-231 Transfer Requirements: Grade of B or higher in an equivalent course.
ID-231 Portfolio Requirements: Not required. |
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| VIS-121 Intro to Digital Tools |
NOVA: ART 140 Intro to Graphic Skills |
MC: ARTT 116 / GDES 116 Digital Tools for the Visual Arts |
| VIS 121 Transfer Requirements: Grade of B or higher in an equivalent course.
VIS 121 Portfolio Requirements: Not required. |
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