MFA | Purdue West Lafayette's Interior Design Program
The M.F.A degree in Interior Design at Purdue University develops and prepares students to further their independent research interests and professional competency. The program experiments with the inquiry, application, and transmission of knowledge of Interior Design.
The Graduate program includes courses in design methodology, research methods, history, critical theory, and more. The Art and Design graduate program provides a dynamic environment in which students from different majors come together to learn in a cross-disciplinary environment. Students work under the mentorship of enthusiastic and inspired designers and design researchers.
First and Second Year
The first and second year of the Graduate program emphasizes the formative development of the student's research interests in Interior Design. The curriculum engages students to research, define, and develop the direction of their graduate work by working closely with their graduate committees and participating in interdisciplinary seminars, disciplinary studios, and elective coursework. Upon completion of the first year curriculum or completion of 18-21 credit hours, M.F.A. students must pass a qualifying review to advance into the upper-level curriculum where their research interests are further developed.
Third Year
In the third year of study, students focus on research and production of their M.F.A. exhibition and thesis work. Upon completing their studies, students present a public gallery talk about their research during their M.F.A. exhibition.
Apply for Interior Design MFA Program
As part of the application process detailed here, the applicant is expected to submit a portfolio of his/her recent work. The portfolio submission should include examples of professional-level interior design work. Work needs to represent experience participating in Interior Design projects. This can be conceptually conceived project work from an undergraduate professional program or practice experience, as applicable. The portfolio should demonstrate competencies in the design, documentation, and construction of interior environments. The images can be formatted at the applicant's discretion to best showcase his/her work but must meet the minimum 20-page requirement.
Teaching Assistantship Opportunity
The department offers Teaching Assistantships for qualified applicants admitted in the Interior Design's Master of Fine Arts Program. The Teaching Assistantship includes generous benefits and valued art and design teaching experience.
Benefits include:
- Full-tuition waiver
- Competitive stipend
- Medical benefits package (if half-time)
- In-state tuition eligibility for spouses
Teaching Assistants typically teach half-time (two classes) each semester and work closely with a faculty coordinator. They must register for designated Teaching Assistantship courses. For additional information and qualification click here.