Marymount University’s Interior Architecture and Design bachelor’s and first-professional master’s programs have both been fully reaccredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), reaffirming their commitment to educational rigor, professional preparation and design excellence.
Following a comprehensive review and on-site evaluation, CIDA granted each program a new six-year accreditation term, effective 2025. The accreditation commission’s decision reflects Marymount’s demonstrated achievement across all 16 accreditation standards, which span critical thinking and design processes, professional values, core technical and theoretical knowledge and the institutional resources required to sustain a high-quality learning environment. Both programs will submit a progress report in three years and undergo their next reaccreditation visit in 2031.
“Receiving a full six-year accreditation from CIDA, the highest national standard, for both our B.A. and first-professional M.A. programs is a tremendous achievement,” said Joe Hicks, Director of Marymount’s School of Design and Art. “The fact that all 16 professional standards were evaluated without incident speaks to our faculty’s dedication to delivering an exemplary program and educational experience. I continue to see the results of this exceptional program through the creativity, professionalism and character of our students. My sincerest congratulations to our faculty, who have worked tirelessly throughout this process—a monumental effort.”
“Earning full CIDA reaccreditation is a testament to the strength and effectiveness of our Interior Architecture and Design program, which has uniquely dedicated faculty, creatively ambitious students and prepares students for practice in the D.C. area and beyond,” added Jessica Bonness, Associate Professor and Program Director for Interior Architecture and Design at Marymount. “We’re so proud of this accomplishment and grateful for everyone’s efforts in making it happen.”
Marymount’s Bachelor of Arts in Interior Architecture and Design integrates a liberal arts foundation with essential design knowledge and hands-on training. Students gain a broad understanding of human needs within the built environment while developing competencies across aesthetic theory, architectural principles, business practices, user-centered design, sustainability and emerging technologies.
As a CIDA-accredited program, the bachelor’s degree prepares graduates for entry-level interior design practice and advanced study, and meets the educational requirement to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Examination. Students benefit from instruction in industry-standard tools such as Revit Architecture, Adobe Creative Suite, 3D printers and laser engravers, as well as internships at design and architecture firms throughout the Washington, D.C., region.
With nearly five decades of alumni working across the national capital area, the program offers deep professional connections and a strong track record of student placements at top firms such as Gensler, HOK, AECOM, Perkins Eastman and Smith Group. The B.A. program is also designated as a STEM degree, allowing international graduates to apply for a 24-month extension of post-completion Optional Practical Training.
Marymount’s first-professional Master of Arts in Interior Architecture and Design is one of the region’s leading pathways for individuals seeking to enter the design field without a prior degree in interior design or architecture. Recognized by CIDA as an accredited interior design program—a distinction held by only a select group of graduate programs—the first-professional M.A. delivers a strong grounding in design theory, building systems, codes and regulations, sustainable practices and creative problem-solving.
The program blends rigorous studio work with hands-on learning opportunities, including field experiences, internships, research projects and the program’s annual Design-athon. Students train in state-of-the-art facilities and learn directly from faculty that are practicing designers, architects and authors of widely used design textbooks. The program also offers paid graduate assistantships and access to scholarships through regional professional organizations.
Like the bachelor’s program, the first-professional M.A. degree is STEM-designated, allowing international students to pursue an extended OPT period as they prepare for careers in interior architecture and design.
