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.
For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees
NOTE: Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.
Forms are available online.
| Step | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Application for admission (online) | Six months before first registration |
| 2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration |
| 3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration |
| 4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination |
| 7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) | Within two working days after results are known |
| 8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) | When change is made |
| 9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying |
| 10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee |
| 11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website. |
| 14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website |