NOVA Transfer Students (B.A.)

Did you know that nearly half of all Marymount Interior Architecture + Design graduates began their undergraduate studies at another institution?

Marymount’s Interior Architecture + Design (IAD) department and the Office of Undergraduate Admissions are committed to supporting a smooth transfer process for Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) students.

  • The information below is specifically for NOVA students interested in completing a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Architecture + Design at Marymount University.
  • If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, you can learn more about transferring credit toward our First-Professional Master’s in Interior Architecture + Design here.

Transfer Scholarships

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) students transferring to Marymount are eligible for a variety of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities. To explore your options, connect with our Transfer Admissions team.

Four-year Pathway

MU and NOVA have worked together to develop a four-year suggested transfer pathway.

  • Download the Four-Year Transfer Pathway Advising Sheet
  • Questions about the NOVA portion of this pathway should be directed to Kris Winner, Program Head at Northern Virginia Community College.
  • Questions about the Marymount portion of this pathway should be directed to Professor Jessica Bonness, IAD Program Director at Marymount University.

Placement Portfolio Requirement

If you are transferring Interior Architecture + Design coursework from another institution, you may be asked to submit a placement portfolio. This portfolio helps us assess your readiness for Marymount’s design curriculum and determine appropriate course placement.

Details on transfer credit evaluation and portfolio expectations are provided at the bottom of this page.

How to Submit Your Portfolio

All portfolios must be submitted digitally:

  1. Upload your materials using this form.
  2. After submitting, please email Prof. Jessica Bonness to schedule a transfer advising appointment.

Portfolio Deadlines

To be considered for transfer credit in time for enrollment, please submit your portfolio by the following deadlines:

  • Fall start: August 1
  • Spring start: December 1

Course Articulations for Transfer Credit

Marymount University accepts undergraduate transfer credit for courses completed with a grade of C or higher. For IAD coursework, a placement portfolio may also be required to receive credit for specific design studio or technical courses.

A course-by-course articulation grid is provided below to help you determine how your previous coursework may transfer.

NOVA Course / Title MU Equivalent Course Transfer Requirements
IDS 100
Theory & Techniques of ID
ID-102
Foundation Studio I
Portfolio and grade of B- or higher
IDS 105
Arch Drafting for ID
ID-121
Freehand Drafting
Portfolio and grade of B- or higher
IDS 106
3D Drawing & Rendering
ID-122
Sketching and Rendering for Ideas
Portfolio and grade of B- or higher
IDS 109
Styles of Furniture
ID-350
History of Interior Design I
Grade of C or higher
IDS 205
Materials & Sources
ID-231
Textiles and Finish Materials
Grade of C or higher
IDS 215
Theory & Research Commercial Design
ID-203
Foundation Studio II
Portfolio and grade of B- or higher
IDS 221
Designing Commercial Interiors I
ID-204
Foundation Studio III
Portfolio and grade of B- or higher
IDS 225
Business Procedures
ID-101
Intro to Interior Design
Grade of C or higher
ART 131 -OR- ART 132
Fund of Design I/II
VIS-111
Intro to Color and Design
Grade of C or higher
ART 140
Intro to Graphic Skills
VIS-121
Intro to Digital Tools
Grade of C or higher
ART 102
History and Appreciation of Art II
AH-102
Intro to Art History II
Grade of C or higher