
The Master of Arts in Interior Design at Washington State University is a Master program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the Pullman campus in United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 2 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on October 1, 2026.
About Master of Arts in Interior Design
All graduates will be able to:
- To prepare graduates to pursue careers as interior design educators, directors of interior design research, and/or practitioners of interior design.
- Provide students with opportunities to explore advanced design theories, problem-solving techniques, methodologies, and individual research and design applications.
- Provide students with opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange.
- Provide students with effective mentoring.
- Provide a variety of experiences designed to help students develop as practitioners in their fields, such as teaching or research assistantships, internships, or other employment that utilizes or improves on professional skills
- Provide a variety of experiences designed to help students develop as scholars in their academic fields, including participation in conferences, workshops, or short courses and formal presentations, such as invited talks, posters, technical reports and publications.
- Encourage students to join appropriate professional organizations and take active roles in these organizations.
- Provide guidance to students in developing a strong ethical sense related to research and practice in their professions.
- To contribute to and advance the body of knowledge pertaining to interior design and the built environment.
- Asking research questions that are relevant to the field of interior design.
- Reading and reviewing the literature in an area of study in such a way that reveals a comprehensive understanding of and a critical perspective toward the literature.
- Demonstrating a mastery of research and a variety of methodologies appropriate to inquiry in the field.
- Successfully mastering and applying professional communication skills and appropriate style guidelines.
- Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data in a way that adds to the understanding of the field of study.
- Applying a critical perspective to their own research and to that of others, noting strengths and weaknesses of the research.
- To establish a graduate program that achieves national and international visibility.
- Attracting, securing, and retaining high-quality students.
- Graduating students who are satisfied with the professional preparation they have received.
- Graduating students who attain licenses or other appropriate forms of credentialing.
- Graduating full-students in a timely manner.
- Developing and maintaining a graduate faculty who:
- Actively contribute to knowledge production in their fields through publications and oral presentations.
- Participate in service to the department, the university, and the profession.
- Propose and attain funding related to research, teaching, and service.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Arts in Interior Design at Washington State University
Entry Requirements
Admission to the Master of Arts in Interior Design program is made during the spring semester with initial coursework beginning the following summer term or fall semester, depending on the track. All applicants must submit required materials by January 10, to both the Graduate School and the MA Interior Design program. Electronic notification of acceptance will take place by March 15.
The following documents are required for submission to the Graduate School:
1. Online application and application fee
2. Official transcripts (unofficial accepted for evaluation)
3. Contact information for three academic /professional references
4. English language proficiency scores and financial verification (if applicable)
5. GRE scores are NOT required for this program.
The following materials are required for submission to the Interior Design program*:
1. Statement of interest and intent (500 words)
2. Link to digital portfolio of creative work (no more than 10 pages).
3. Writing Sample
3. Scanned copies of transcripts and test scores (if applicable)
*4+1 Applicants will apply directly to the Interior Design program in early December with notification given by Dec. 15. An interview is required but the portfolio requirement is waived.
English Program Requirements
Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Arts in Interior Design
Graduates of this program are prepared for successful careers as interior designers, interior architects, project managers, educators, researchers, and industry representatives.
Employment placement rate is over 90% in a variety of settings, such as:
Acrylicize – North American Director
MPLUS Interior Design Company Limited (Macau) / Co-Founder
The Design COLLECTIVE – Interior Design Intern
CSHQA – Project Manager
GDC Technics – Aircraft Interior Designer
5ive Creative – Designer
Rice Fergus Miller – Principal
Krause Interior Architecture – Interior Designer
HPM Building Supply – Home Planning Program Manager
Designology- Owner/Designer
VM Store Planning at REI – Senior Project Manager
NELSON – Interior Designer
Integrus Architecture – Interior Designer
California State University – Assistant Professor Program Coordinator, Interior Design
NBBJ – Interior Designer
Bernardo Wills Architects – Interior Designer
NK Architects – Project Architect
WSU – Research and Teaching Faculty
University of New Haven – Faculty
Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Arts in Interior Design at Washington State University
How to Apply for Master of Arts in Interior Design at Washington State University
Gather Your Documents
Check the admission requirements for information about academic standards and required documents.
Your application for admission must include:
- Official transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Copy of your passport identification page or national identity card
Get the admission application and other necessary forms.
Prepare Your Information
You will want to prepare some information before beginning your online application.
- Be ready to answer questions about your anticipated visa status
- Be ready to tell us how you meet the language proficiency requirement (through an English proficiency exam score or an exam waiver)
You may upload electronic copies of your documents when you submit your application online. If you upload transcripts they will be considered unofficial. It is best to send transcripts separately after you submit your application.
Complete the Application and Submit Documents
To complete the application and submit it for our review you will need to pay the $70 application fee by credit card or wire transfer. If you have questions about paying this fee please contact us.
If you do not wish to upload documents into the application, or do not have them ready to upload and submit, you may mail or email them to the International Undergraduate Admissions Office when you submit your application.
Office of International Programs
International Undergraduate Admissions
Kruegel Hall
PO Box 643251
Pullman, WA 99164-3251
USA
[email protected]

United States of America, Pullman