The MFA in Interior Design is a first professional masters degree that emphasizes critical thinking, skill development, advanced research and socially responsible design as a means to prepare individuals with undergraduate degrees in other fields to become professional interior designers. Practical and theoretical work in studio and technical classes include residential and commercial contract design, materials and construction, manual drafting, CAD, history, environmental theory, design research and business practice. Studio seminars and critiques afford candidates multiple opportunities to engage directly with experienced faculty and design experts in solving design issues.
Annual symposia will provide opportunities for candidates to participate in discussions with leading design experts and professionals concerning current issues affecting the fields of design such as sustainability, socially responsible design, green design and design for the global market.
This ten-semester program is calendared to provide working professionals the flexibility to meet curricular demands while employed. Courses are scheduled on evenings and on Saturdays during summer, fall and spring terms.
Project-based learning in the design studio enables candidates to develop a quality portfolio of work. A required, paid internship in the penultimate term prepares candidates for employment in the field upon graduation.