An Interior Design graduate student uses virtual reality to work on a design project.

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 B emphasizes the development of content knowledge and critical thinking skills through the completion of a project, preparing graduates for industry positions requiring higher-order 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

Learn more about the M.S. in Design and Merchandising, Plan B, Interior Design Specialization on the Department of Design and Merchandising website.

Effective Spring 2010

Department Core
DM 501Research and Theory-Design and Merchandising3
DM 551Research Methods3
Specialized research/data analysis methods course 13
Content Coursework
Select a minimum of 15 credits from AM, DM, INTD prefixes 215
Breadth
Out-of-department Course 33
Paper/Project
DM 698Research3
Program Total Credits:30

A minimum of 30 credits  are required to complete this program. 

1

Select a minimum of one course with approval of graduate committee.

2

Select courses with advisor approval.

3

A minimum of 3 credits taken outside the department in addition to the specialized research/data analysis course(s), with advisor approval.