Master of Science in Design and Merchandising with an Option in Digital Design

Obtaining a graduate degree in Interior Design differentiates an individual as a professional with advanced critical thinking, research, and specialized design skills. According to the ASID Outlook Brief (2019), only a small percentage (6%) of design practitioners hold a master's degree, making this credential indicative of exceptional commitment and capability. This can enhance a designer's competitiveness and potential for leadership, as well as increase earning potential.

The Master of Science in Design and Merchandising degree with an option in Digital Design, provides two main tracks:

MS Research Thesis track:

This choice supports the goal of conducting evidence-based design research or teaching and is the recognized path to ultimately complete a Ph.D. degree. Students conduct original research in this track and complete a thesis. This degree typically requires 2 years of course work with the final semester focusing on thesis writing and defense.

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  The graduate school at Oklahoma State University offers two options for the culminating experience in the master's degree program: a thesis or a creative component. The MS Research Thesis track supports the objective of conducting evidence-based design research or preparing for a career in academia, serving as the recognized pathway for students intending to pursue a Ph.D. degree. This track emphasizes the development of original research, critical analysis, and scholarly contribution to the field of interior design.

  The MS Research Thesis consists of three main components:

  1. Research Project:

  • • Topic Selection: Students begin by selecting a research topic that aligns with their academic interests and professional aspirations within interior design. Potential areas of research include sustainable design practices, human-environment interaction, design psychology, educational methodologies in interior design, and more.
    • Literature Review: Conducting a comprehensive literature review is essential to establish the current state of knowledge in the chosen area. This process helps identify gaps in existing research and positions the proposed study within the broader academic discourse.
    • Research Methodology: Students design an appropriate research methodology, which may involvequalitative, quantitative, or mixed methods approaches. This includes defining research questions or hypotheses, selecting data collection instruments, and outlining data analysis procedures.
    • Proposal Approval: A detailed research proposal must be submitted to and approved by the student's Research Thesis Committee before any data collection begins. This ensures the feasibility, academic merit, and ethical standards of the proposed research.

  2. Thesis Development:

  • • Data Collection: Following proposal approval, students engage in the systematic collection of data as outlined in their research methodology. This may involve surveys, interviews, case studies, observations, or experimental studies, depending on the nature of the research.
    • Data Analysis: Students analyze the collected data using appropriate statistical or qualitative analysis techniques. This phase requires critical evaluation and interpretation of findings in relation to the research questions and existing literature.
    • Thesis Writing: The culmination of the research project is the writing of the thesis, which comprises several key sections: Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion. The thesis should present a coherent and logical argument, demonstrating the student's ability to conduct independent research and contribute to the field.

  3. Thesis Defense:

  • • Committee Review: Upon completion of the written thesis, students submit their work to the Research Thesis Committee for review. The committee evaluates the thesis for its academic rigor, originality, and contribution to the field.
    • Oral Defense: Students must defend their thesis in an oral examination before the committee. This involves presenting the research findings, discussing the implications of the study, and responding to questions and critiques from committee members.
    • Final Submission: After successfully defending the thesis, students may need to make revisions as recommended by the committee before submitting the final version for degree conferral.

  Throughout the two-year duration of the degree program, students balance coursework with their research activities, receiving guidance and mentorship from faculty advisors. This structured process ensures that students develop a deep understanding of research methodologies, critical thinking skills, and the ability to contribute meaningful knowledge to the field of interior design. Successful completion of the MS Research Thesis track prepares graduates for advanced academic pursuits and professional roles that value evidence-based practice and scholarly research.

  Core Requirements
  Theoretical Perspectives for DM	DM 5003	3
  Research Developments in DM	DM 5013	3
  Proposal Writing	DM 5093	3

  Non-Core Requirements
  Master's Thesis	DM 5000	6
  Theories of Creative Process in DM	DM 5113	3
  Statistical Methods in Education	REMS 5953	3
  VR and AR Applications in DM	DM 5073	3
  Advanced Digital Design Communication	DM 5173	3

  Electives (Select One)
  Analyses of Variance	DM 6003	3
  Topics in Building Information Modeling	DM 5373	3
  Career Internship	DM 5440	3
  OTHER ELECTIVES TBD BY ADVISOR
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  Year	Fall	Spring	Summer
  Year One	DM 5013, DM 5003	REMS 5953, DM 5173, DM 5093	DM 5073
  Year Two	DM 5113, DM 5000	DM 5373 (elective), DM 5000

MS Design Thesis (Creative Component) track:

This choice supports the goal of design practice and provides extended design process and project knowledge. Students undertake extensive programming research and related tasks and produce a comprehensive design project of their choice and present it through a gallery exhibition completed over a two-semester period. The entire duration of the degree is two years.

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  The graduate school at Oklahoma State University offers two options for the culminating experience in a master's degree program: a thesis or a creative component. A traditional thesis is a research project that includes a literature review, research methodology, data collection, and analysis. The creative component is more flexible and allows programs to determine what is appropriate for their discipline. For instance, in a fine arts program, the creative component is often a recital or an exhibition of work. In the digital design option, we have determined that the most appropriate way to meet the intention of the creative component is an evidence-based design project chosen by the student (with committee approval) and an accompanying research report.

  The MS Design Thesis (Creative Component) consists of three main components:

  1. Design Project:

  The student is empowered to select a design project that complements their professional aspirations within the design field. For instance, a student with a future orientation towards healthcare design could choose to design a hospital environment. This project necessitates the application of current design theories and adherence to evidence-based design principles. The student may initiate a fundamental needs assessment for the intended client population, which serves to underpin the project rationale.

  2. Research Report:

  Upon establishing a comprehensive digital model of their design project, students are expected to gather data regarding user interactions and experiences within the created spaces. Precedent studies serve as critical reference points and are also subject to data collection. This data is subsequently synthesized into a cohesive research report.

  3. Public Gallery Presentation:

  The gathered information and finalized design are showcased on design boards for public display. The goal is to facilitate a conversation about the project among a wider audience and to provide a tangible testament to the student's capabilities.

  To maintain academic integrity and ensure the feasibility of the design project, a proposal must be approved by the student's Design Thesis Committee before project initiation. Upon completion, the project is initially presented to the committee for review and evaluation. Following this, the work is exhibited publicly in a gallery space at Oklahoma State University, where it serves both as an inspiration for future students and a demonstration of the student's growth and mastery within the design field.

  This progressive structure of the MS Design Thesis ensures students gain a practical understanding of the design process, from conceptualization to public presentation, and prepares them for successful professional practice.

  Core Requirements
  Theoretical Perspectives for DM	DM 5003	3
  Research Developments in DM	DM 5013	3
  Proposal Writing	DM 5093	3

  Non-Core Requirements
  Master's Creative Component	DM 5240	6
  Theories of Creative Process in DM	DM 5113	3
  Career Internship	DM5440	3
  VR and AR Applications in DM	DM 5073	3
  Advanced Digital Design Communication	DM 5173	3

Graduate Certificate in Digital Design:

The Graduate Certificate in Digital Design is tailored for industry professionals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking to enhance their expertise in immersive technologies and digital design. This certificate provides a flexible, focused, and practical pathway for individuals looking to upskill and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving fields of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and advanced design communication.

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  Program Highlights

  • • Designed for Professionals: This program is specifically created for working professionals, allowing them to balance their career commitments while gaining specialized knowledge and skills.
    • Flexibility: Offered in both online and onsite formats, the certificate program accommodates diverse learning preferences and schedules.
    • Targeted Curriculum: The coursework emphasizes practical applications of emerging technologies, equipping participants with tools to address real-world challenges in design and related industries.

  Who Should Enroll?

  This program is ideal for professionals who:

  • • Are already working in design, architecture, technology, or related fields and want to stay ahead in their industry.
    • Seek to integrate immersive technologies such as VR and AR into their professional practice.
    • Wish to expand their skillset without committing to a full degree program.

  Graduates of the program will be equipped to:

  • • Lead innovative design projects incorporating immersive technologies.
    • Enhance their professional portfolio with cutting-edge skills and knowledge.
    • Transition into specialized roles in fields like digital design, virtual and augmented reality development, and advanced communication design.

  With its focused curriculum and flexible delivery, the Graduate Certificate in Digital Design empowers professionals to advance their careers while mastering the technologies shaping the future of design.

  Core Requirements
  Theories of Creative Process in DM	DM 5113	3
  VR and AR Applications in DM	DM 5073	3
  Advanced Digital Design Communication	DM 5173	3

  Electives (Select One)
  Topics in Building Information Modeling	DM 5373	3
  Career Internship	DM 5440	3
  OTHER ELECTIVES TBD BY ADVISOR
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  Year	Fall	Spring	Summer
  Year One	DM 5113	DM 5173, DM 5373	DM 5073

Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Design:

The Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Design provides students with foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in the rapidly growing fields of digital communication and immersive technologies. Designed to complement a variety of undergraduate degree programs, this certificate equips students with practical skills in Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and digital design, preparing them for dynamic careers in the evolving digital landscape.

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  Program Highlights

  • • Comprehensive Foundation: Focuses on essential design principles, digital communication, and problem-solving strategies that are critical for success in the digital age.
    • Immersive Technologies for Social Impact: Explores how VR and AR can be leveraged to address real-world challenges and drive meaningful change.
    • Capstone Experience: Students culminate their learning journey with a capstone project that showcases their skills and creativity.

  Who Should Enroll?

  This program is ideal for undergraduate students who:

  • • Are pursuing degrees in design, architecture, or technology-related fields and want to enhance their skill set.
    • Have an interest in immersive technologies and their application in addressing real-world challenges.
    • Seek to make their resumes stand out with specialized credentials in digital design.

  Graduates of the certificate program will be equipped to:

  • • Enter roles in digital design, immersive technology development, or related industries.
    • Apply advanced digital communication and problem-solving skills in various professional contexts.
    • Pursue further studies in digital design, VR, AR, or other emerging technologies.

  By blending foundational skills with cutting-edge technologies, the Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Design prepares students to excel in the digital-first world and make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.

  Core Requirements
  Digital Design Communication	DM 3173	3
  VR and AR for Social Change	DM 2033	3
  Research Methods	DM 2403	3
  Problem Solving Strategies	DM 2003	3
  Problems in Design and Merchandising (Capstone Project)	DM 4810	3

  Electives (Select One)
  Advanced Computer-Aided Design for Interior Design	DM 4373	3
  OTHER ELECTIVES TBD BY ADVISOR
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