M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision
Marymount University, located in Arlington, Virginia, offers a Master of Education (M.E...
M.A. in Interior Architecture & Design
Virginia
INTAKE: Jan, May & Aug
Program Overview
Marymount's M.A. in Interior Architecture + Design offers two distinct pathways. The First-Professional M.A. is a 63-credit program (typically completed in 2.5 to 3 years) for individuals holding a baccalaureate degree in a field other than interior design or architecture. This track prepares them for entry-level professional practice. The Post-Professional M.A. is a 30-credit program (1.5 to 2 years) for those with an accredited undergraduate degree in interior design or architecture, aiming to expand their knowledge in areas like evidence-based design, design education, professional practice, or digital technology. Both tracks emphasize intellectual growth, independent learning, and an increased capacity to engage in interior architecture and design practices, focusing on human needs within the built environment.
CIDA Accredited: Marymount University's First-Professional Master of Arts in Interior Architecture + Design program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). This accreditation is a hallmark of quality and ensures that the program meets the highest educational standards set by the profession. CIDA accreditation is crucial for graduates seeking to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Examination, which is a key step towards becoming a licensed professional interior designer in many jurisdictions. It's important to note that CIDA does not accredit post-professional master's programs.
Curriculum: The curriculum is comprehensive, blending theoretical knowledge with extensive studio work and digital proficiency. Courses for the First-Professional track include foundational design studios, history of interiors and architecture, building technology, lighting design, sustainable design principles, and professional practice. Students also gain expertise in digital tools such as Revit Architecture and other rendering software. Both tracks incorporate courses like "Research Methods in Interior Design" and culminate in a "Thesis or Design Research Project," where students apply evidence-based design principles to address complex interior environments. The program emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, ethics, and social responsibility within the design process.
Research Focus: Marymount University's interior architecture and design program strongly emphasizes research, particularly in areas that connect design with human well-being and practical application. Faculty research interests include evidence-based design, environmental psychology, biophilic design, and the impact of design on mental health, productivity, and longevity. There's also a focus on pedagogical research in design education, exploring effective teaching and learning methods, especially for marginalized students, and the role of digital tools in design. Students are encouraged to engage in scholarly research, often culminating in their thesis or design research project, contributing to the body of knowledge in the field.
Industry Engagement: Marymount University leverages its prime location in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, a hub for leading architectural and design firms, to foster significant industry engagement. The program boasts state-of-the-art design facilities and small class sizes that allow for close faculty mentorship. Internships are a mandatory component, providing valuable practical experience with nationally recognized firms. Marymount's alumni network is robust, with graduates employed at top design firms in the region (e.g., Gensler, AECOM, HOK). The university actively connects students with professional organizations like ASID and IIDA, offers exhibitions of student work, and organizes field trips, ensuring graduates are well-connected and career-ready.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Interior Architecture & Design program at Marymount University cultivates a global perspective by incorporating a broad understanding of historical and contemporary design movements worldwide. While specific study abroad components are not explicitly highlighted for the graduate program, the curriculum encourages students to consider universal human needs within the built environment and explore diverse cultural influences on design. The program's emphasis on evidence-based design principles often involves examining global research and best practices. Graduates are prepared to apply their skills in various cultural contexts, recognizing the interconnectedness of design practices and their impact on a global scale.
Location
Virginia
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 32130
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 96 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Marymount University in the United States is supporting international students through a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. These scholarships help make a high-quality education more affordable and accessible for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Marymount offers several merit-based scholarships specifically for international students. These awards are typically based on academic performance, standardized test scores, and leadership potential. Some scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions process, while others require a separate application.
Global Scholarship: One of the key awards available to international students is the Global Scholarship, which provides significant tuition reduction for high-achieving students. This scholarship rewards students who demonstrate outstanding academic credentials and a global engagement.
Distinguished International Student Award: Marymount also offers the Distinguished International Student Award for exceptional students who contribute to campus diversity and show strong leadership qualities. This award helps to encourage a vibrant, multicultural student community.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate students may have access to assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition remission and stipends in exchange for research or teaching support. These opportunities not only ease financial burdens but also enrich academic and professional development.
Marymount University's M.A. in Interior Architecture & Design program provides a comprehensive education that prepares graduates for a diverse range of roles within the dynamic design industry. The program's CIDA accreditation for the First-Professional track, coupled with its STEM designation, makes graduates highly attractive to employers. The strong emphasis on research, digital proficiency, and practical experience through internships, particularly within the bustling Washington D.C. metropolitan area, ensures that alumni are well-equipped for impactful careers.
Senior Interior Designer / Interior Architect: Graduates can lead design projects from concept development to execution, often specializing in residential, commercial (office, retail), hospitality (hotel, restaurant), or healthcare design. They manage client relationships, develop detailed drawings, select materials, and oversee construction.
Project Manager (Interior Design/Architecture): Oversees the entire lifecycle of interior design and architectural projects, managing budgets, timelines, resources, and coordinating with various stakeholders (clients, contractors, engineers, vendors) to ensure successful project delivery.
Design Director: In larger firms, a Design Director leads the creative vision and design strategies for a department or multiple projects, ensuring consistent quality and adherence to firm standards. This role often involves mentorship and business development.
Workplace Strategist: Specializes in designing office environments that enhance productivity, collaboration, and employee well-being. This role involves understanding organizational culture, future work trends (e.g., hybrid work), and integrating technology into the physical space.
Healthcare Interior Designer: Focuses on creating functional, safe, and calming interior spaces for healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and assisted living centers. This specialization requires knowledge of specific regulations, patient needs, and evidence-based design principles.
Sustainable Design Consultant: Specializes in incorporating eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable practices into interior design projects. This role addresses the growing demand for environmentally responsible and healthy built environments.
Lighting Designer: Specializes in designing and specifying lighting solutions for various interior spaces, impacting aesthetics, mood, functionality, and energy efficiency. This involves technical knowledge of fixtures, controls, and illumination principles.
Exhibition Designer / Museum Exhibit Designer: Designs and plans temporary or permanent exhibitions for museums, galleries, trade shows, and events. This creative role combines spatial planning, visual communication, and an understanding of narrative and visitor experience.
Furniture, Fixture, and Equipment (FF&E) Specialist: Focuses on the selection, specification, and procurement of furniture, fixtures, and equipment for interior projects. This role requires extensive knowledge of materials, product lines, budgeting, and vendor relations.
Design Educator / Academic Researcher: For those on the Post-Professional track with an interest in advancing the field, this role involves teaching interior design or interior architecture at colleges and universities, conducting research, and contributing to scholarly publications.
