Master of Arts in Interior Design at Washington State University

    Master of Arts in Interior Design at Washington State University

    Master of Arts in Interior Design at Washington State University

    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

    The Master of Arts in Interior Design (M.A.I.D.) is a terminal professional degree which prepares the graduate to enter professional practice and take NCIDQ exam; to pursue career paths in research and higher education; and to matriculate into a Ph.D program. The philosophy of the Interior Design program is based on a concern for human beings and the creation of interior settings that support human activities and values. We are focused on how design excellence and innovation can tackle issues surrounding the human condition in the built environmental, especially around health and well-being and environmental stewardship. Additionally, we are deeply interested in how qualities of spatial design impact human experience and performance. The degree offers two tracks for completion (non-thesis project or thesis): The Non-Thesis Project Track combines studio experiences with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to further the understanding and increase awareness of the interface between human behavior and interior environments. Students undertake a design-research project, developing creative, theoretical, and/or analytical frameworks in the pursuit of discoveries that solve design problems. 1 year (summer + 2 semesters): This is the 4+1 articulation path for WSU Bachelor of Interior Design students. Student must successfully complete two required graduate courses in Spring semester of their senior year. 2 year (4 semesters): For students with design degree subject to review of a portfolio. 3 year (summer + 6 semesters): For students without a professional interior design undergraduate degree. The Thesis Track focuses on developing and executing an applied or theoretical research investigation which contributes to the interior design body of knowledge. Students should align research interests with faculty expertise. Students on this track are well prepared to enter the Individual Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program (IIDP). To learn more go to the IIDP website. 2 year (4 semesters): For students that hold a degree in interior design degree or closely related discipline.

    All graduates will be able to:

    1.  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.
    2.  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.
    3.  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

  • 7.0 IELTS Minimum score
  • 550 TOEFL Minimum score
  • 80 TOEFLI Minimum score
  • 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

    Application Fee 70

    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]

    Master of Arts in Interior Design at Washington State University
    Washington State University
    Washington State University
    United States of America

    United States of America, Pullman

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