Morgan State University Secures Historic Design Accreditations, Bolstering HBCU Leadership

Morgan State University’s School of Architecture and Planning has secured two major accreditations, cementing its status among the top historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in design education.

The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) awarded accreditation to Morgan’s Bachelor of Science in Interior Design – the first time CIDA has certified an HBCU program. Separately, the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) granted the school’s Master of Architecture program an eight-year re-accreditation, making Morgan one of just seven HBCUs with NAAB-accredited programs.

Morgan launched its interior design program in 2018, becoming the only HBCU in the country to offer a bachelor’s degree in the field. The CIDA accreditation, which took effect in May 2026, runs for six years.

“Achieving CIDA accreditation is a significant accomplishment and a testament to our program’s dedication to excellence in professional interior design education,” said Abimbola Asojo, dean of the School of Architecture and Planning.

Frederick Scharmen, interim chair of the Department of Architecture, called the NAAB renewal “important recognition from our peers in the profession and in education.”

The achievements carry added weight given persistent underrepresentation in the field: Black professionals make up just 2 percent of America’s architecture and design workforce, according to data from the American Society of Interior Designers and Zippia.

“These accreditations will continue to open doors for many Morgan students,” said Kayla Bryant, a fourth-year architecture student who plans to enter Morgan’s Master of Architecture program after graduating.