Interior Design

Interior Design
The mission of the Department of Interior Design is to educate students to become successful designers and scholars who enhance human experience and improve built, cultural, and social environments through interior design.
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Our programs are ideal for energetic and inquisitive students who want to study within an energetic field that encourages innovation, creativity, collaboration, and experimentation. Through coursework, hands-on projects, and research activities, our students leave Iowa State ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way.

We foster core design and technical knowledge including diverse histories, theories of space and form, principles of color and light, ergonomic and accessible furniture and furnishings, efficient environmental systems, and effective interior construction and building systems. Our integrated educational process builds skills sequentially over the program.


The national ranked Department of Interior Design at Iowa State University offers the following graduate degrees:

1. MFA in Interior Design: A terminal, post-professional degree emphasizing advanced creative achievement. This degree can be completed in as few as five semesters;

2. MA in Interior Design: A post-professional degree emphasizing applied design research and analysis;

3. First-Professional MA in Interior Design: Combines entry-level preparation with advanced knowledge of design analysis and research options.


Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Arts (M.A.)
  • Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)

 

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the master’s: 2.8 years (Methods)

Melissa Stenstrom

msten@iastate.edu
515-294-3366
Student Recruiter I
Iowa State University
715 Bissell Road
159 Design
Ames, IA 50011-3094

Learning Goals

The Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design, Master of Arts in Interior Design, and First Professional Master of Arts in Interior Design programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

  • Resume or CV
  • Digital portfolio
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Program Requires GRE: No
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Please submit your application by February 1 for priority admission consideration and for graduate assistantship consideration. Spring and summer entry not available.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions