The only program in nation’s capital that is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, the MFA in Interior Architecture gives students access to urban resources, the top architecture and interior design firms in DC, and a studio-oriented curriculum that creates innovative, design thinkers. Through the studio-based core curriculum of 60 required credits, students learn about habitable environments ranging from small interiors to larger, more complex commercial and institutional spaces. With projects focused on current design issues as well as lectures and critiques from distinguished professionals, the IAD program is a carefully sequenced series of courses building on theoretical, technical, and creative challenges and experiences. Prerequisite: A bachelor’s degree in a field other than interior design, including a minimum of 30 credit hours of liberal arts and sciences courses. A portfolio consisting of examples of relevant work is to be submitted with the application to the program.... [-]

The MPS in Sustainable Interior Environments (MPS-S) is a post-professional program structured to prepare design professionals to assume leadership roles in developing and maintaining sustainable interior spaces that will positively impact the world.

Intended for those working in the design or architecture professions, the program provides students with a thorough grounding in the best practices in environmentally informed designs for the interior. Upon completion of the MPS-S program, students are in a position to sit for LEED AP Accreditation — a highly sought-after credential.

Students are exposed to a wide range of topics, research methods, integrated design development methodologies, and sustainable project management practices. Coursework addresses the history and theory of sustainability, principles of sustainable materials, natural and artificial lighting and control systems, and integrated environmental systems design. It also covers indoor air quality as well as green textiles, furnishings, and decorative elements. The program includes two studio courses designed to integrate acquired knowledge and research while exploring both residential and nonresidential environments.... [-]

The healthcare industry is rapidly expanding to accommodate the growing needs of the aging baby boom generation and the global population explosion. In response, NYSID has created an innovative, interdisciplinary program that provides practicing designers and healthcare professionals an opportunity to work together and to acquire a broad knowledge of current issues, research, and theory in the design of healthcare interiors and apply it in focused studio experiences.

Courses include knowledge in research methods, history and theory of healthcare, environmental and behavioral studies, and applied design. Green design and lighting research related to health, productivity, and precision are integral parts of the course of study. The program is designed for students of varied backgrounds who understand that in the healthcare field, business and design are inextricably intertwined.... [-]

The MPS in Interior Lighting Design (MPS-L) is a one-year, post-professional degree that provides rigorous professional education in the area of natural and artificial illumination for the interior environment. As any interior designer or architect can tell you, imaginative and cost-effective interior illumination is critical to the success of any interior space. Changing technologies, new laws that mandate energy efficiency and the demand for inspired, innovative solutions have created a strong need for specialists in interior lighting design.

NYSID has responded to this need with a program that exposes students to a range of knowledge and skills that provides graduates with a balance of conceptual and practical techniques for successful design execution. The coursework addresses the history and theory of lighting design, principles of sustainability as they relate to the discipline, natural and artificial lighting and control systems, integrated systems design, as well as financial analysis, code compliance, and project maintenance. The program includes lighting design studio courses that integrate acquired knowledge and research while exploring residential, commercial, and institutional environments. Graduates are prepared to sit for the certification exam given by the NCQLP (National Council on Qualifications for Lighting Professionals).... [-]