Master of Arts in Interior Design

Gain practical experience for real-world design challenges.

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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.

Upgrade
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.

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.

Highlights

Program Goals

Tuition Information

Admission Requirements

How to Apply

Highlights

Program Goals

Tuition Information

Admission Requirements

How to Apply

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.

Faculty Spotlight

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.

Expand your industry expertise and boost your resume with a certificate that can be directly applied toward your master's degree.

Residential Interior Design Certificate

Obtain a residential interior design certificate to gain the qualifications needed to specialize in residential spaces.

Starts:

Spring or Fall

Schedule:

Part-time

Completion:

24 months

Cost:

$29,100 – $30,070 ($970 per credit hour)

Professional Interior Design Certificate

Learn complex concepts and potentially qualify to take on commercial projects from a design perspective with a professional interior design certificate.

ASID Membership Preparation: Completing this certificate prepares you to become a member of Allied Members of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

Starts:

Spring or Fall

Schedule:

Part-time

Completion:

34 months

Cost:

$40,740 – $41,710 ($970 per credit hour)

Degree Courses

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.

Color Design

Credits – 3

Students develop proficiency in discerning basic color differences and visualizing color application. Students learn color mixing and identification, color scheme planning, pattern and scale. Previously IN 0407.

Basic Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

Credits – 3

An introduction to computer aided drafting and design concepts, methods, and skills used in Interior Design. Students learn to use the basic commands of AutoCAD software to produce architectural and interior drawings including floor-plans, elevations, sections, and details. Students should note that this course will be taught using Microsoft Windows. Students should bring their own laptop with AutoCAD LT software installed to each class. Previously IN 0409.

Interior Design I

Credits – 3

Students develop the judgment and skill needed to conceive and execute a successful residential interior design project. Through weekly design problems, students integrate aesthetics and function. Students experience the issues and difficulties a professional must face, learning the appropriate steps from client interview to presenting accurate scale drawings in plan and elevation. Previously IN 0410.

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 Furniture I

Credits – 3

This course examines the major styles of furniture from Egyptian through the Renaissance and Baroque (15th-17th centuries) to the Rococo and Neoclassic periods (early 19th century). Examples will be drawn mainly from Italy, France, England, and Germany, with emphasis on mastering the specific features of each style and on understanding the ideas that influenced the furnishings in each era. Previously IN 0413.

History of Furniture II

Credits – 3

This course examines American furniture from 1650-1830 and its relationship to English prototypes. The course covers Victorian furniture styles through contemporary trends in both the United States and in Europe. Emphasis is placed on learning the characteristics of each period as well as a discussion of the materials culture of the time. Previously IN 0414.

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.

Sustainable Design

Credits – 2

This course aims to simplify the complex world of sustainable design and how it relates to global environmental issues, climate change, and health. Course topics include an overview of the big picture of sustainability, case studies, the LEED rating system, best practice systems and the integrative design team, the impact of design and construction practices and specification of non-toxic materials on the health of occupants and the environment, guest speakers, and field trips for green resources. Previously IN 0421.

Rendering

Credits – 3

A rendered drawing relies on tone as the basis for the perception of form. Using the media of pencil, colored pencil, pen and ink, markers, watercolor, and their various combinations, students learn to achieve a higher degree of professionalism in interior design presentations and perspective drawings. Previously IN 0422.

3-D Architectural Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

Credits – 3

Continuing with skills learned in Basic CAD, this course is an introduction to the application of 3-D Computer Aided Design concepts, methods, and skills used specifically in interior design projects. Autodesk REVIT software applications will be used to produce fully rendered 3-D architectural computer aided designs for portfolio. Previously IN 0509.

Interior Design II

Credits – 3

Building on the design fundamentals of Interior Design I, students continue to practice space planning, and learn to prepare and deliver persuasive presentations. Class covers tools designers have to work with, including color, special finishes, building materials, furnishings, fabrics, window treatments, floor coverings, and accessories, with special emphasis on kitchen and bath design. Creativity is fostered through a series of residential design problems reinforcing the logical nature of the design process. Previously IN 0511.

Interior Design III

Credits – 3

Students document, by blueprint and/or photos, an existing residential space, including complete floor plans, furniture detailing prospective drawing of one space, lighting plans, and detailed presentation boards, showing all fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, and rugs obtained solely from New York showrooms. Previously IN 0512.

Interior Design IV

Credits – 3

Through a series of lectures, hands-on developmental planning, and individual guidance, students deal with different topics including: major residential/small commercial space planning and remodeling, kitchen and bath design with plumbing and HVAC, architectural and furniture design with detailing and construction drawings, estimating, and application of design materials including flooring, wall-covering, window treatments, and upholstery. This knowledge will be applied to the renovation of an existing New York City brownstone. Previously IN 0513.

Commercial Design

Credits – 3

Students learn the importance of the surrounding environment in a working situation and professional techniques for planning and executing business interiors. Readings, lectures, project organization, and studio assignments stress the principles of good design and the practical skills needed to function professionally. Previously IN 0514.

Lighting for Interiors

Credits – 3

An introduction to various types of lighting equipment and their characteristics. Students learn how to accurately interpret professional lighting catalogs, to calculate appropriate light levels, and to apply this knowledge to a professional lighting plan. Previously IN 0515.

Kitchen and Bath Design

Credits – 3

This specialty course addresses the specific principals of kitchen and bath design with emphasis on function, style, and health and safety. Attention will be paid to the industry guidelines as established by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. There will be segments on products and materials, lighting, and plumbing. Design and drafting principals will be a major emphasis of this overview course and will touch on universal design. There will be an opportunity to design an actual case study of a kitchen/bathroom. This course will expose students to the knowledge and professionalism required to be a successful kitchen and bath designer. Previously IN 0516.

Interior Design V

Credits – 3

Students begin to deal with the more technical aspects of contract design, commercial design and construction, including large-scale space-planning, structural coordination, barrier-free design, building codes/regulations, and contract documents. This is an online course. Previously IN 0518.

Interior Design VI

Credits – 3

Through lecture, reading, and a series of design problems, students will continue to increase their skill in the application of the many aspects of contract design. The semester will culminate in the execution of a large-scale commercial space planning project. Previously IN 0519.

Perspective Techniques

Credits – 3

Existing design projects are turned into three-dimensional interior perspectives, which are invaluable in communicating ideas to the client. Completed drawings will become part of the student portfolio. Previously IN 0520.

Business of Interior Design

Credits – 1

This course consists of a series of six sessions, each conducted by a different practicing interior designer. The guest instructors will share their experiences in developing a business and dealing with the many practical issues related to the interior design profession. Previously IN 0521.

Capstone and Studio

Credits – 3

With guidance from a faculty instructor, students undertake a major research project focused on well-established or newly-emerging interior design concepts. Following thesis methodology, students research and then write a defense of their position to lay the foundation for an extensive, more complex commercial, institutional, or residential space. All phases of a professional project are explored: research, programming, analysis of existing conditions, design criteria, concept development, detailed schematic presentation drawings, models, materials, and selected details. The course culminates in a formal presentation and critique by a jury of professionals. Previously IN 0525.

Fairfield Mission

Visionary by nature.
Jesuit Catholic by origin.
The driving force of Fairfield is our mission — to impact the world. It prompts us to ask important questions, to embrace our social responsibilities, and to lead by example. And it’s what has made us a premier institution in the Northeast. Let the mission be part of your journey.

Master of Arts in Interior Design

Gain practical experience for real-world design challenges.

Get More Information

Why Choose an Online Master of Arts in Interior Design Degree from Fairfield?

Advance Your Competencies

Upgrade Your Credentials

Practical Industry Experience

World-Renowned Faculty

Program Specifics

Interior Design Student Work

Faculty Spotlight

Expand your industry expertise and boost your resume with a certificate that can be directly applied toward your master's degree.

Residential Interior Design Certificate

Obtain a residential interior design certificate to gain the qualifications needed to specialize in residential spaces.

Professional Interior Design Certificate

Faculty Spotlight

Degree Courses

Get More Information

Advance Your
Competencies

Upgrade
Your Credentials

Practical Industry
Experience

World-Renowned
Faculty