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“The flexibility of the program allowed me to craft my interests into a degree and helped me pinpoint exactly what I want to do.”

–Brittany Watson
Interior Design, 2010

Master of Arts in Interior Design

Interior Design, like architecture, plays a definitive role in the quality of modern life. Professionals in this field are multi-discipline practitioners, often as comfortable designing hotels, department stores, hospitals, or offices as in determining the décor and layout of private homes. Interior designers find themselves addressing the diverse needs of people from all walks of life, sometimes working independently, though frequently within design offices and in both cases on a wide and challenging range of projects. The Corcoran’s program fosters an environment where students think critically and acquire important problem-solving skills, and combines knowledge of contemporary materials, methods, accessories and markets with the history of interior design and architecture, study of the decorative arts, the theories of interior design, the latest computer drafting technology, and the business practices of the design profession.

The program addresses the interests of those who wish to achieve expertise in this broad-based and deeply fulfilling profession. Recent college graduates or those about to graduate are eligible to apply for admission, as are adults whose college education has been completed and who are seeking a new professional direction.

Curriculum

The two-year, 60-credit Master of Arts curriculum offers study in both residential and commercial interior design.

Year 1 Fall
The Decorative Arts: 1800 To The Present
Digital Drafting/AutoCAD
Materials, Finishes and Methods
Interior Design Studio – Residential

Year 1 Spring
History of Architecture and Interior Design
Interior Lighting
Design Studio – Contract
Interior Architecture Construction and Detailing

Year 1 Summer
History of Art: Critical Studies
Advanced Interior Design Studio – Residential
Advanced Interior Design Studio—Speculative Studies
Graduate Level Studio Elective

Year 2 Fall
Principles and Theory of Interior Design
Advanced Interior Design Studio – Contract
Advanced AutoCAD Studio
Internship and Pro-Thesis Interior Design Studio

Year 2 Spring
The Business of Design
Selected Topics In Interior Design Studio
Thesis Interior Design Studio
Graduate Level Studio Elective