Marywood University

What you'll study

This graduate programme combines rigorous design studio work with technical courses and research, emphasising human-centred, sustainable and context-sensitive interiors. Coursework typically covers advanced studio projects, building systems and environmental performance, materials and fabrication, lighting and acoustics, accessibility and universal design, and professional practice.

• Design Studios — Progressive studio sequence focused on complex interior environments, integrating conceptual development, spatial organisation, detailing and presentation techniques.
• Materials and Fabrication — Study of material behaviour, specification, detailing and digital/physical fabrication methods used in interior architecture.
• Building Systems and Environmental Performance — Principles of HVAC, lighting design, acoustics, fire safety and their impact on interior design solutions.
• Sustainable and Healthy Interiors — Strategies for low‑impact design, indoor environmental quality, lifecycle thinking and resilient design approaches.
• Professional Practice and Ethics — Project management, contract documents, codes and regulations, client relations and the business of interior architecture.
• Research Methods and Capstone — Methods in design research leading to an independent culminating project or thesis demonstrating comprehensive mastery of interior architectural issues.
• Electives and Cross‑disciplinary Options — Opportunities to take seminars in related areas such as historic preservation, exhibit design, healthcare design, lighting or digital media, and collaborate with other university departments.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in interior design, architecture, interior architecture, or a closely related discipline. Those with degrees in other fields may be considered if they demonstrate sufficient design aptitude and professional experience.

• Academic transcript — Official transcripts showing completion of a recognised undergraduate degree.
• Portfolio — A curated portfolio of design work that demonstrates creative ability, technical competence and conceptual thinking.
• Statement of purpose — A short essay describing academic and professional goals, design interests and reasons for choosing the programme.
• Letters of recommendation — Typically one to three references from academic or professional contacts.
• Professional experience — Relevant work experience in design or architecture is advantageous but not always required.
• Interview — Some candidates may be invited to interview or provide supplemental material; standardised tests are not usually required unless specified by the admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for mid-to-senior roles across private firms, public agencies and institutions. The combination of studio experience, technical knowledge and professional practice prepares students to lead complex interior projects.

• Interior architect/interior designer in commercial, residential, hospitality or retail sectors
• Healthcare and institutional design specialist (hospitals, clinics, educational facilities)
• Workplace and corporate interiors consultant
• Exhibition, museum and interpretive space designer
• Sustainability or materials consultant focusing on healthy interiors
• Project manager, specification writer or design director
• Further academic study or research in design and architecture

Why study at Marywood University

Marywood offers a small, supportive learning environment with close faculty mentoring and a strong emphasis on hands‑on studio work. The programme benefits from facilities suited to interior architecture training, including dedicated design studios, materials resources and access to digital fabrication equipment.

Students at Marywood gain from the university's interdisciplinary culture, allowing collaboration with related fields such as art, architecture and health sciences, and from engagement with regional practice through community projects, internships and professional networks. The curriculum balances creative exploration with technical rigour and ethical, sustainable practice, preparing graduates to address contemporary challenges in interior architecture.