The Interior Design specialization of the M.S. in Design and Merchandising offers the opportunity to explore creativity, sustainability, emerging technologies, spatial perception, and human health and wellness within the context of interior design. The Plan A emphasizes the development of content knowledge and research skills through the completion of an original research study, preparing graduates for doctoral-level work or for industry positions requiring critical thinking, analytical abilities, and/or depth of knowledge in the field.
Common contexts for graduate research include workplace, education, healthcare facilities, commercial/institutional spaces, hospitality, etc.
Major areas of specialization for graduate study and research in interior design include:
- Creativity and cognition
- Sense of place
- Sustainable design studies
- Inclusive design and design justice (DEIJ)
- Health, well-being, and resilience
- Theory, sociocultural, and global approaches
- Design pedagogy
- Digital fabrication
- Emerging technologies for design
Effective Fall 2001
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Department Core | ||
| DM 501 | Research and Theory-Design and Merchandising | 3 |
| DM 551 | Research Methods | 3 |
| Specialized research/data analysis methods 1 | 3 | |
| Breadth | ||
| Out-of-department Course 2 | 3 | |
| Specialization Courses | ||
| Select a minimum of 12 credits 3 | 12 | |
| Thesis | ||
| DM 699 | Thesis | 6 |
| Program Total Credits: | 30 | |
A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this program.
- 1
Select a minimum of one course from department list with approval of advisor.
- 2
Select an out-of-department course at the 500-level with approval of advisor.
- 3
Select 500-level courses from the AM, DM, or INTD subject codes with approval of advisor.