George Washington University
university
George Washington University

George Washington University

Design futures: innovation, creativity, impact, and community.

2121 I St NW, Washington, DC 20052, USA

About George Washington University

Based in Foggy Bottom, this private university dates to 1821 & is known for international affairs. The architecture and design programs at George Washington University, particularly within the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design, offer a unique opportunity to study and create in a dynamic environment. With a strong emphasis on conceptual thinking and the design process, the curriculum integrates studio-based learning with interdisciplinary studies. Located in the nation's capital, students benefit from access to museums, galleries, and professional networks, fostering a close community of students and faculty. The programs aim to educate future designers who can contribute to and advance the field through professional projects and creative research, focusing on design excellence and engagement with the broader community.
Program NameDetails
Bachelor of Fine Arts with a Major in Interior Architecture
Bachelor

This BFA program offers students a unique opportunity to study and create three-dimensional spaces, pushing the boundaries of design within a major research university. Students learn to implement dynamic concepts using cutting-edge materials and innovative methods.

8 Semesters
English
$67,420 per year
Deadline: Visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website
Master of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture
Master of Fine Arts

This MFA program focuses on enhancing design and creativity skills with an emphasis on the transformative impact of interior spaces. The studio-based curriculum fosters a community that encourages creativity and pushes design boundaries with conceptual thinking.

4 Semesters
English
$36,414 per year
Deadline: Visit the Office of Graduate Admissions website
Master of Arts in Interior Architecture
Master of Arts

A post-professional program designed for students with prior degrees in interior design, interior architecture, or architecture who seek further academic challenges. The program is a rigorous, condensed, 30-credit program.

1 year (3 semesters)
English
Not specified
Deadline: Visit the Office of Graduate Admissions website
Master of Landscape Design
Master

This program integrates environmental sustainability, aesthetic principles, and functional planning to create innovative outdoor spaces. It emphasizes the use of site analysis, plant selection, sustainable design practices, and CAD visualization techniques to enhance urban and rural environments.

Not specified, but can be completed by combining two graduate certificates
English
Not specified
Deadline: Visit the Office of Graduate Admissions website
Graduate Certificate in Landscape Design
Graduate Certificate

This certificate provides a background in horticulture, nursery and planting standards, and the creative process of design. It focuses on small-scale applications with sound design principles and site engineering methods.

28 credits
English
Not specified
Deadline: Visit the College of Professional Studies website
Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Landscapes
Graduate Certificate

This program provides landscape design students and experienced professionals with best practices in landscape conservation and sustainability adapted for the small-scale landscape. Students learn all aspects of sustainable design, including urban ecology and energy efficiency.

15 credits
English
Not specified
Deadline: Visit the College of Professional Studies website
Master of Professional Studies in Sustainable Urban Planning
Master of Professional Studies

This program studies cities through economic, social, and environmental sustainability lenses. It has a unique focus on anthropogenic climate change, which is addressed throughout the curriculum.

2 years
English
Not specified
Deadline: Visit the College of Professional Studies website
Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Urban Planning
Graduate Certificate

This program teaches the fundamentals of urban planning with a focus on sustainability. Key areas of study include urban growth, land use, agricultural impact, and transportation engineering.

18 credits
English
Application Fee: $80; Matriculation fee: $225 (one time); Books approximately $100-150/course
Deadline: Visit the College of Professional Studies website

Performance & Metrics

Institutional Stats
0
Students
0
Faculty
0
Alumni
8
Programs
Accreditations & Affiliations
The BFA and MFA in Interior Architecture programs are accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). The programs meet the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam).
Admissions
George Washington University's overall acceptance rate is 44%.
Acceptance Rate
Deadlines
For graduate programs (MA in Interior Architecture), the admission deadline for Fall is April 1 (February 1 for applicants applying for assistantships/fellowships).
Requirements
0: GRE is not required.
1: TOEFL (80 internet-based, 550 paper-based), IELTS (overall band score of 6.0 with no individual score below 5.0), or PTE Academic (53) required for international applicants (unless degree from an English-speaking institution).
2: Two letters of recommendation on business letterhead.
3: Digital portfolios required.
4: MFA program: for students with a Bachelor Degree in a subject other than interior design and architecture.
5: MA program: for students with an undergraduate degree in interior design, interior architecture, or architecture.
Recent Rankings
BFA in Interior Architecture ranked #5 among Best Bachelors in Interior Design on collegerank.net.
BFA in Interior Architecture ranked #3 in Best Interior Design Degree Programs in 2025 by Intelligent.
BFA in Interior Architecture ranked #17 in its size category for “Interior Design Schools Most Hired From by Firms” in 2018-19 by Design Intelligence.
The Interior Architecture program was rated one of the best in the country (featured in House Beautiful).
The program is one of ten interior programs located at universities that rank in the top 63 of U.S. News and World Report's list of national research universities.

George Washington University Academic FAQ

George Washington University is Design futures: innovation, creativity, impact, and community.

The acceptance rate for George Washington University is George Washington University's overall acceptance rate is 44%., reflecting the selectivity of its academic programs.

Applicants are typically required to submit: GRE is not required., TOEFL (80 internet-based, 550 paper-based), IELTS (overall band score of 6.0 with no individual score below 5.0), or PTE Academic (53) required for international applicants (unle....

George Washington University provides a comprehensive curriculum including: Bachelor of Fine Arts with a Major in Interior Architecture, Master of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture, Master of Arts in Interior Architecture, Master of Landscape Design, Graduate Certificate in Landscape Design.

The institution maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of The George Washington University's overall student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1., ensuring personalized mentorship and studio culture.

George Washington University is situated in Washington, United States, offering a vibrant context for architectural study.

Yes, George Washington University holds accreditations from: The BFA and MFA in Interior Architecture programs are accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). The programs meet the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam)..