Marymount University's B.A. in Interior Design
The Bachelor of Art in Interior Design combines general education classes, with professionally directed coursework to develop practitioners with a commitment to critical thinking, lifelong learning, and concern for the well-being of people and the environment. The combined coursework provides a broad understanding of human needs within the built environment as required for practice. They also foster an interdisciplinary approach to design and establish a foundation for lifelong learning.
- Accredited by CIDA
- 127 credits (4 years)
- Transfer friendly with articulation agreements with multiple community colleges.
- Located in Arlington, Virginia, minutes from Washington DC.
Students in this program benefit from:
- Rigorous studio projects that prepare students to face a demanding job market.
- A diverse course selection that offers both breadth and depth of learning.
- An expert faculty with industry connections.
- Small class sizes that maximize personal attention.
Interior Design Jobs, Salary, and Career Outlook
The career outlook for interior design professionals is bright. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for interior designers in May 2019 was $56,040. The highest 10 percent earned more than $96,470.
Further, Marymount’s Interior Design alumni are currently employed at 6 of the top 15 interior design firms in the country. Many of these firms have offices in the Metro DC area. These firms include:
- Gensler, Washington DC (ranked #1)
- AECOM, Roanoke, VA (ranked #3)
- HOK, Washington, DC (ranked #6)
- IA Interior Architects, Washington, DC (ranked #8)
- Perkins Eastman, Washington, DC (ranked #11)
Obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree in interior design prepares you to work in these kinds of roles:
- Office Design
- Healthcare Design
- Restaurant or Retail Design
- Residential Design
MU is CIDA Accredited
The interior design program leading to the Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), www.accredit-id.org, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503. CIDA has continually accredited Marymount’s undergraduate Interior Design program since 1985.
Marymount’s CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design granted by Marymount University meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for
Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements
Sample Degree Plan
Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections.
Semester One – Fall
- ID 101 Introduction to Interior Design and Theory
- ID 121 Freehand Drafting
- VIS 101 User Centered Design
- VIS 111 Intro to Color and Design
- Additional University Core Courses
Semester Two – Spring
- ID 102 Foundation Studio I
- ID 122 Sketching and Rendering for Ideas
- VIS 121 Intro to Digital Tools
- Additional University Core Courses
Semester Three – Fall
- ID 203 Foundation Studio II
- ID 231 Textiles and Finish Materials
- Additional University Core Courses
Semester Four – Spring
- FA 202 Introduction to Art History: Renaissance to Modern
- ID 204 Foundation Studio III
- ID 223 Presentation Drawings
- Additional University Core Courses
Semester Five – Fall
- ID 305 Practice Studio I
- ID 325 Construction Documents
- ID 332 Building Technology
- ID 350 History of Interiors I
- Additional University Core Courses
Semester Six – Spring
- ID 306 Practice Studio II
- ID 333 Lighting
- ID 351 History of Interiors II
- Additional University Core Courses
Semester Seven – Fall
- ID 407 Practice Studio III
- ID 408 Senior Capstone I
- ID 434 Business Procedures
- One ID elective
- Additional University Core Courses
Semester Eight – Spring
- ID 400 Internship
- ID 409 Senior Capstone II
- One (1) ID elective (see list below)
- Additional University Core Courses