Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design

Professional Level

The Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design – Professional Level (MFA-1) program is formulated to provide students, possessing a baccalaureate degree in an unrelated field, with an advanced degree containing the professional-level education to become licensed interior design practitioners. The focus of this program is on the development of the ability to formulate, propose, and carryout design solutions in a safe, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing way.

Admission to the MFA – Professional Level program requires formal acceptance and submission of a portfolio demonstrating the applicant’s creative abilities in the fine or applied arts, or the successful completion of a NYSID qualifying workshop prior to matriculation.

This 90 credit MFA degree requires full-time study and is composed of 81 professional credits and 9 elective credits offering both seminar and studio courses in art and design history, graphic communication, technical skills and knowledge, professional practice, and interior design studios.

Of the 90 credits required for the MFA degree, a minimum of 60 credits must be taken at NYSID all of which must be in required professional courses. Only 500 level courses may be satisfied by transfer credit. The residency requirement includes Interior Design III, IV, V and VI, MFA Thesis Preparation, MFA Thesis, and Senior Seminar. In combination with the required professional experience, the curriculum satisfies the educational requirements for membership in national and local interior design associations and allows graduates to sit for qualifying exams for interior design certification in many jurisdictions.