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).
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:
How long does it take to earn a degree?
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.
Graduate College Requirements:
Program Specific Requirements:
International Requirements:
TOEFL Paper (PBT) | 550 |
TOEFL Internet (iBT) | 79 |
IELTS | 6.5 |
PTE | 53 |
Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) | 115 |
The 63 credit Master of Fine Arts in Integrated Visual Arts at Iowa State University is a distinctive and unique interdisciplinary program offering study across the following areas: ceramics, computer applications, drawing, textiles, illustration, jewelry/metalsmithing, painting, printmaking, photography, furniture design and areas outside of Art & Design. The Integrated Visual Arts program offers an innovative curriculum aligned with emerging art and design markets.
Degrees Offered:
How long does it take to earn a degree?
Application Deadlines:
Please submit your application and supporting materials by January 15 for fall admission and November 1 for spring admission. Submission by these dates ensures consideration for a graduate assistantship. Applications received after these dates may be considered for program admission, but applicants may have fewer assistantship options.
Application Details:
This program is open to domestic and international students.
Graduate College Requirements:
Program Specific Requirements:
International Requirements:
TOEFL Paper (PBT) | 550 |
TOEFL Internet (iBT) | 799 |
IELTS | 6.5 |
PTE | 53 |
Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) | 115 |
The Iowa State University Graphic Design Department offers two graduate degrees: the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Graphic Design and the Master of Arts in Experiential Graphic Design (MAxGD). The focus in each of these degree programs is on expanding your knowledge through new problem-finding/solving situations. Each course of study relies heavily on such areas as methodology, history, research and testing to arrive at fresh new communications.
Degrees Offered:
How long does it take to earn a degree?
Application Deadlines:
Students are only accepted for admittance in the Fall semester of each academic year. There are two review periods for graduate admission. Please submit your application by February 1 to be considered for a graduate assistantship. All MFA applications completed by February 1 are considered for funding. There is no separate application for this. MAxGD students are not offered assistantships. Applications completed by April 1 will also be considered for Fall admission. All materials must be available on the deadline date, or you may not be considered for admission. Spring and summer entry are not available.
Application Details:
This program is open to domestic and international students.
Graduate College Requirements:
Program Specific Requirements:
International Requirements:
TOEFL Paper (PBT) | 550 |
TOEFL Internet (iBT) | 79 |
IELTS | 6.5 |
PTE | 53 |
Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) | 115 |
Iowa State University’s three-year MFA program in Creative Writing and Environment cultivates in its students an interdisciplinary approach to research and writing. The program's unique design allows writers to develop a heightened environmental imagination that finds expression in quality, publishable works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. The program is designed to prepare students for careers as writers, teachers, editors, and environmental educators. The MFA degree requires 54 hours of graduate credit: a core of creative writing courses, a book-length thesis (6 credits), experiential environmental fieldwork (3 credits), and 12 credits in disciplines other than English (such as Landscape Architecture, Anthropology, Environmental Science, among many others) relevant to an individual student's research interests and thesis project.
Degrees Offered:
How long does it take to earn a degree?
Application Deadlines:
January 5 (once per year for fall semester entry only). Early application completion is encouraged.
Application Details:
This program is open to domestic and international students.
Graduate College Requirements:
Program Specific Requirements:
International Requirements:
TOEFL Paper (PBT) | 587 |
TOEFL Internet (iBT) | 95 |
IELTS | 7 |
PTE | 68 |
Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) | 115 |