Program Overview

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Interior Design (M.A.I.D.) is a terminal professional degree which prepares the graduate to enter professional practice and take the NCIDQ exam; to pursue career paths in research and higher education; and to matriculate into a Ph.D program. The philosophy of the Interior Design program is based on a concern for human beings and the creation of interior settings that support human activities and values. We are focused on how design excellence and innovation can tackle issues surrounding the human condition in the built environmental, especially around health and well-being and environmental stewardship. Additionally, we are deeply interested in how qualities of spatial design impact human experience and performance.

Program Tracks

The degree offers two tracks for completion (non-thesis project or thesis).

• The Non-Thesis Project Track combines studio experiences with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to further the understanding and increase awareness of the interface between human behavior and interior environments. Students undertake a design-research project, developing creative, theoretical, and/or analytical frameworks in the pursuit of discoveries that solve design problems.
  • 1 year (summer + 2 semesters): This is the 4+1 articulation path for WSU Bachelor of Interior Design students. Student must successfully complete two required graduate courses in Spring semester of their senior year.
  • 2 year (4 semesters): For students with design degree subject to review of a portfolio.
  • 3 year (summer + 6 semesters): For students without a professional interior design undergraduate degree.
• The Thesis Track focuses on developing and executing an applied or theoretical research investigation which contributes to the interior design body of knowledge. Students should align research interests with faculty expertise. Students on this track are well prepared to enter the Individual Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program (IIDP).
  • 2 year (4 semesters): For students that hold a degree in interior design degree or closely related discipline.

Student Opportunities

Interior Design graduate students are leaders in the School of Design and Construction (SDC), regularly serving as highly valued teaching and research assistants. Interior Design and Architecture share core graduate coursework and a yearly international study tour. The student experience is enriched by interdisciplinary activities within the SDC such as lectures, exhibits, study tours, study abroad, design competitions, internships, and integrated studios, all which allow for educational and professional engagement on the local, regional, national, and international levels.

The Interior Design program supports dissemination of design-research in academic venues and competitions. In recent years, both thesis and non-thesis graduate student work has been peer-reviewed and invited for presentation at the following conferences: Academy of Neuroscience in Architecture (ANFA), European Architectural Envisioning Association (EAEA), Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA), Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC), and Western States Public Health Association. Additionally, creative accomplishments have been recognized by Retail Design Institute, Wiley, and IDEC.

Program Handbook

Reference the M.A. Interior Design Graduate Handbook (PDF) for admission and program policies, procedures, and deadlines.

Faculty Research

• Minyoung Cerruti, Ph.D: Environment-Behavior Design & Research, Healthcare Design & Research, Research Methods & Psychophysiological Analyses
• Robert Krikac, MSD, NCIDQ: Sketching as Problem Solving, Participatory Research
• Matt Melcher, M.Arch: Housing Design, Communication & Representation, Practice-Based Issues
• Alana Pulay, Ph.D, Graduate Coordinator: Human Behavior in the Built Environment, Schools & Educational Facilities, Interior Lighting
• Vahid Vahdat, Ph.D: Virtual Reality, History & Theory, Urban Interiorities, Architecture & Film, Parametric Design
• Carrie Vielle, M.A.: History of Art, Interiors, Architecture, Museology & Exhibition Design, Color Theory & Application

Notice of Non-Discrimination

WSU does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, disability, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, protected veteran/military status, or immigration or citizenship status in any education program or activity that it operates complaint with Title IX and other civil rights laws and regulations. Inquiries regarding Title IX, ADA, or other civil rights laws, as well as reports of discrimination can be directed to the Compliance and Civil Rights, WSU ADA Coordinator, or WSU Title IX Coordinator. More information on WSU’s policies and procedures to respond to discrimination and harassment are available here: Nondiscrimination statement.