The Interior Architecture program at Drexel was among the first graduate programs in the US, and has been recognized as a leader in the industry. Our graduates take positions in prestigious firms locally and around the country, often making connections during their time in the program. The program provides students with the professional training to succeed in a variety of career paths.

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Interior Architecture and Design degree is comprised of 92 graduate credits and 12 prerequisite credits, which students complete in three years. For students with an accredited degree in Interiors or Architecture we offer a 48-credit degree option that can be completed in 2 years. To see a sample plan of study, or learn more about the specific requirements, please visit our Curriculum page. For information on activities and career opportunities, please see our Opportunities page. Further information is also available if you wish to download the Student Handbook from the Resource page.

Accreditation Information

Accreditation is a testament of our commitment to educational quality and professional preparation. The graduate Interior Architecture & Design program is accredited by both the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). We are one of only a handful of masters degree programs accredited by CIDA in the United States and Canada. CIDA sets rigorous educational standards that ensure students from accredited programs are prepared to be well informed, responsible, and skilled interior design professionals. Students graduating from a CIDA accredited program are qualified to sit for the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) certification exams. NASAD establishes standards of knowledge and skills for degrees in art and design. Accreditation with NASAD requires that we maintain high professional standards in art and design education, and demonstrates our commitment to educating students in both interior design and the fine arts.

The Drexel University interior design program leading to the Master of Science in Interior Architecture and Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. 
 
The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The Master of Science in Interior Architecture and Design granted by Drexel University meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: https://www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements. 

Student Statistics & Student Achievement

The following information represents the latest data available. 

Degrees awarded in June 2024
BS Interior Design: 25
MS Interior Architecture and Interior Architecture & Design: 31

Retention and Graduation rate for June 2024 graduates
Undergraduate Interior Design: 91% of the students enrolled as freshman during the Fall 2020-21 quarter returned for the Fall 2021-22 quarter
Undergraduate Interior Design: 94% of the returning Fall 2020 sophomores graduated in June 2024
Graduate Interior Architecture: 100% of the students entering the MS program in the summer or fall of 2022 graduated in June 2024
Graduate Interior Architecture & Design: 100% of the students entering the MS program in the summer or fall of 2021 graduated in June 2024

Percentage of 2021 Undergraduate Interior Design graduates attending graduate school or employed in design related areas: 88%
Number of Interior Design BS Degrees awarded in 2021: 32
Number accepted to graduate school: 9 (100% acceptance rate)
Number obtaining interior design related employment within 9 months: 19
Number unaccounted for: 4 (these students could not be reached)

Percentage of 2021 Graduate Interior Architecture & Design graduates attending graduate school or employed in design related areas: 100%
Number of Interior Architecture & Design MS Degrees awarded in 2021: 25
Number accepted to PhD Programs: 1 (1 applicants)
Number obtaining interior design related employment within 9 months: 24
Number unaccounted for: 0 (these students could not be reached)