Master of Arts in Interior Architecture + Design, Post-Professional Degree

• 30-credit, 2-year on-campus program
• Full time or part time, day or evening classes
• $1,275 per credit hour
• Customizable graduate degree and certifications
• Fall, Spring, and Summer enrollment

• Graduate application
• Official transcripts of all postsecondary education, including a bachelor’s degree from an accredited interior design program, architecture program, or equivalent
• Professional résumé
• 2 letters of recommendation from educators or employers who can attest to the applicant’s potential for graduate work
• Statement of personal goals, objectives, motivations, and intended area of concentration
• Portfolio of student or professional design work demonstrating creative ability and professional competence, including hand drawings, sketching, and design thinking as seen in creative ideation and process work*

Students with an accredited Interior Design or Architecture degree must verify completion of prerequisites that demonstrate an understanding of knowledge within the field. If a departmental review of a student’s previous coursework and/or portfolio reveals deficiencies in the common body of knowledge, the student may be required to complete additional undergraduate and/or graduate course(s). Alternatively, students with degrees in Interior Design or Architecture who want a CIDA-accredited degree may choose the First-Professional M.A. program and transfer credits into it. A minimum of 36 credits must be completed at Marymount University, and a portfolio of work is required for placement.*

International Students:
For university coursework completed outside the U.S., a course-by-course transcript evaluation is required from a NACES member evaluation agency such as World Education Services or Educational Credentials Evaluators.

Students for whom English is a second language must submit a recent official score of 96 from TOEFL, 6.5 from IELTS, or 58 from the PTE academic exam, or documentation of program completion at one of Marymount University’s language partners. For complete information about International Admissions Guidelines and language partner programs, visit our International Graduate Students page.

For more information please contact:
Office of Graduate Admissions
gadmissi@marymount.edu
703-284-5901

ID 600: Research Methods in Interior Design

Introduction to the theory and practice of evidence-based interior design, including literature reviews, best practices, and data collection and analysis. Examination of common research methods used in evidence-based interior design and evaluation of published research studies. Some forms of statistical analysis are covered. Significant research in interior design is explored through readings and individual or team empirical research projects and writings.

ID 698: Thesis or Design Research Project I

This course focuses on the exploration of a significant question or challenging issue in interior design. Through readings and field studies, students formulate and carry out an individual investigation under faculty supervision and critique. Findings are presented in a written or graphic document and evidence-based design project.

ID 699: Thesis or Design Research Project II

This capstone course is a continuation of ID 698. The thesis document or design research project employs research applications and inferences of analytical thought in the design process and communication of the design intent. Design projects or thesis findings and analyses are completed and presented to faculty. Upon approval, students give a final presentation of their projects and/or study findings to the University community.

Marymount Interior Architecture + Design graduate program alumni work at both large and small firms in Washington, D.C., and beyond. In fact, more than 90% of our graduates are employed within 6 months of graduation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for interior designers in 2021 was $64,340. The highest 10% earned more than $99,070.

Our graduates work in the top 15 firms in the region, including:

• Gensler, Washington, D.C. (ranked #1)
• AECOM, Roanoke, Va. (ranked #3)
• HOK, Washington, D.C. (ranked #6)
• IA Interior Architects, Washington, D.C. (ranked #8)
• Perkins Eastman, Washington, D.C. (ranked #11)
• Smith Group, Washington, D.C. (ranked #13)

Welcome to the School of Design + Art (SoDA) at Marymount University.

Our expert faculty will work with you in small studio and classroom experiences as you prepare for your creative career. SoDA is one of the 3 Schools within Marymount’s College of Business, Innovation, Leadership, and Technology (the College of BILT). At SoDA, we offer multiple majors, minors, and graduate degrees across 5 academic programs. Our close partnerships in BILT with the School of Business and the School of Technology and Innovation allow you to expand your creative degree with coursework in entrepreneurship, business, marketing, web development, and more.

Explore our programs and create a custom degree to pursue your passion in life. If you are interested in learning more, please email us at bilt@marymount.edu.

I look forward to seeing you on campus soon!

Doug Seidler
Director, School of Design and Art
Professor, Interior Design

Click here to view our Faculty

“As a 30+ practicing interior design professional with my own firm, I chose to go back to school to get a master’s so that I could teach. I wanted a post-professional program that would provide classes convenient to my work schedule and allow me the flexibility to learn – not only about the variety of areas of interior design practice, but how to teach. As an evidence-based design (EBD) focused program, Marymount’s School of Design + Art provided the tools I needed to be successful in the program, in my own research, and in starting teaching as an adjunct professor. Both the students and staff are engaged and supportive and made the experience enjoyable and rewarding.” – Cindy McClure, Class of 2021, Adjunct Professor at Marymount University and Principal at Grossmueller Design Consultants