Online Master of Arts in Interior Design
Stand out in an ever-evolving field with innovative design practices.
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Why Choose an Online Master of Arts in Interior Design Degree from Fairfield?
Advance Your
Competencies
Master interior design basics, such as color scheme planning and textile selection, while developing knowledge and expertise in areas such as sustainable design, computer-aided design, lighting, and rendering that will help students succeed in an ever-evolving industry.
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Your Credentials
Fairfield University’s Master of Arts in Interior Design students will complete the coursework necessary, along with experience in the field, to help expedite their journeys toward NCIDQ certification and ASID membership, two organizations that are pertinent and extremely valuable in the interior design industry.
Practical Industry
Experience
Students will have the opportunity to create a portfolio filled with quality real-world work samples relevant to the design industry. They will also present an extensive capstone research project to a panel of industry experts to benefit from their feedback and insight.
World-Renowned
Faculty
Fairfield’s award-winning faculty have deep expertise in topics such as residential interiors and sustainable design. Many are also contributors to some of the most respected publications in the industry. You’ll benefit from their firsthand insights and guidance throughout your master’s in interior design.
Elevate Your Passion for Interior Design
Discover how our flexible, hands-on Master in Interior Design program helps you build an impressive portfolio and gain the credentials you need to excel. Watch the video to hear how our supportive, close-knit community propels aspiring designers to the top of the industry.
Program Specifics
The online MA in Interior Design program is specifically designed for those with an interest and passion in design but do not possess a formal education in it. It enables students to master interior design basics, hone their detail-capturing skills, learn about construction and safety requirements fundamentals, and receive individualized training from experienced faculty mentors.
- Program Starts: Fall (September) and Spring (January)
- Priority Deadlines: December 1, August 1
- Schedule: Part-time
- Credits: 63
- Completion: 4-4.5 years
The online MA in Interior Design aims to provide designers-in-training with the necessary credentials and industry knowledge to earn their professional certification and become visual “storytellers” in their respective industries.
- Coursework in this program is focused on preparing students to gain practical interior design training and develop technical abilities.
- Students will learn to design residential, commercial, and institutional spaces as well as have the opportunity to create an advanced professional portfolio of quality work samples.
- Expedite your journey toward the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certification and qualify for membership in the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
Tuition for the MA in Interior Design program is $63,315 ($1,005 per credit hour).
Interior Design Residential Certificate: $30,150 – 31,155 ($1,005 per credit hour)
Interior Design Professional Certificate: $42,210 – 43,215 ($1,005 per credit hour)
Please see the Tuition and Financial Aid page for more information.
A bachelor’s degree in any discipline is required for admission. (Preferred undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, though not mandatory.) This degree program is designed for those who have an interest and passion in design but do not possess a formal education in it.
No GMAT/GRE required.
Here’s what you will need to apply:
- A completed online application.
- A non-refundable $65 application fee paid by credit card. (Application fee is waived for current Fairfield students and for anyone who attends an information session.)
- A professional resume. Applicants are required to submit a current resume that includes employment and education history.
- A personal statement. Students should describe their interest in the program, aspirations for obtaining the degree, and why they want to attend Fairfield University.
- Provide official transcripts confirming your bachelor’s degree from all colleges and universities attended demonstrating a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an approved evaluating service.
- Two recommendation letters — one of which must be from a current supervisor or professor, accompanied by the University’s online recommendation forms.
- Interview
Interior Design Student Work
Fairfield’s Interior Design courses are synchronous and small in size, each student receives detailed feedback on their projects in real time. See how student work in the classroom extends into the field.
Career Outcomes
Earning an online Master of Arts in Interior Design from Fairfield University expedites your journey toward ASID membership and NCIDQ certification, opening the door to more opportunities.
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Victor Dueupi is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Miami School of Architecture. HIs research focuses on the Early Modern Spanish and Ibero-American world, mid-20th-century Cuba, and contemporary architecture and design. Author of several books, Dr Deupi was also the President of the CINTAS Foundation dedicated to promoting Cuban art and culture from 2016-2018 and is current the President of the DOCOMOMO US Florida Chapter.
Stacy Griffing, a certified Interior Designer, brings a wealth of experience in various sectors, including Hospitality, Commercial, Retail, Residential, and Industrial design. A graduate of Marywood University with a Master’s in Interior Architecture and Design, she also has a keen interest in furniture design, including custom cabinetry, kitchen design, and bath design.
As a certified interior designer, Rob Hardy has specialized in residential design, construction and renovation. He teaches core courses and serves as mentor and advisor for all students in the program.
Hollie Sutherland has been teaching interior design at Fairfield University for eight years, and she also runs an interior design business. IN her practice, she focuses on residential design and sustainable design, utilizing her LEED AP.
Expand your industry expertise and boost your resume with a certificate that can be directly applied toward your master’s degree.
- Residental Interior Design Certificate
- Professional Interior Design Certificate
Residental Interior Design Certificate
Gain the qualifications needed to specialize in residential spaces.
Spring or Fall
Part-time
24 months | 30-31 credits
$29,100 – $30,070 ($970 per credit/hr)
Tuition cost is for the academic year of 2024-2025. Tuition is subject to change.
Professional Interior Design Certificate
Learn complex concepts and potentially qualify to take on commercial projects from a design perspective.
ASID Membership Preparation: Completing this certificate prepares you to become a member of Allied Members of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
Spring or Fall
Part-time
34 months | 42-43 credits
$40,740 – $41,740 ($970 per credit/hr)
Tuition cost is for the academic year of 2024-2025. Tuition is subject to change.
Degree Courses
At Fairfield University, we offer a diverse range of online courses in interior design, providing a strong foundation for students pursuing an online Interior Design Master’s Degree or seeking to advance their expertise. With courses covering drawing, color theory, and computer-aided design (CAD) to specialized topics like commercial design, sustainable materials, and lighting, students gain the skills needed for professional success.
Whether you’re considering an online Master’s in Interior Design or simply looking to refine your technical abilities, these courses deliver a comprehensive and flexible learning experience.
- Required Interior Design Courses
- Professional Requirements / Residential Electives
- Additional Electives
Drawing and Presentation
Credits – 3
This course is an introduction to drafting techniques for the preparation of architectural interior drawings emphasizing drafting and detailing room plans, elevations and sections. Course covers drafting for architectural purposes, drawing for client presentation, techniques of presentation, and board mounting. A final project with finished floor plans, elevations, and sample boards is required. Previously IN 0405.
Textiles for Interiors
Credits – 3
A survey of textile manufacture from fiber to finished fabric with emphasis on the textile’s attributes for determining quality and usage. The student is introduced to construction methods, dyeing, printing, and finishing processed with discussion of various applications. Previously IN 0411.
History of Architecture and Interior Design
Credits – 3
A survey of architecture and interiors from antiquity to the present and the cultural factors affecting them. Among the civilizations, periods, and styles to be included are Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Modern. Previously IN 0417.
Fairfield Mission
Visionary by nature. Jesuit through mission. Transformative by design. Our mission inspires us to impact the world. It prompts us to ask important questions, to embrace our social responsibilities, and to lead by example. It’s what has made us a premier institution in the Northeast. Let the mission be part of your journey.
