Graduate Degrees

Ephemeral whispy lines
Interior Design Graduate Degrees
HOW TO APPLY

The  Interior Design Program at The University of Texas at Austin offers an innovative graduate curriculum that integrates research and theoretical knowledge in the application of current design issues that face our society. The positive impact of a well-designed interior environment is verifiable, making interior design a critical component of the design disciplines.

The program is among only a handful of interior design faculties in the United States housed within a large and active School of Architecture creating a dynamic atmosphere that allows students to achieve a high level of excellence in the design of architectural interiors. 

With a faculty of four full-time interior design professors along with full-time and affiliated faculty in the School of Architecture, the program offers both broad coverage and an individualized program tailored to student interests. The program is founded on rigorous instruction while also offering students the flexibility to develop their own ideas and new perspectives. The study of interior design at the graduate level is taught with constant awareness of global context, interdisciplinary challenges, and evolving demands that students experience in professional practice.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDY

Students work closely with faculty in courses, seminars, and independent research projects to develop independent thought as well as a thorough knowledge of the field. Students may combine their research on interior design topics with a broad array of related subjects. Cross-disciplinary work in the School of Architecture’s other programs of Historic Preservation, Architectural Design, Theory, and History is encouraged.

As a major research university, The University of Texas at Austin also offers a wide selection of across-campus electives, including courses in Arts Education and Design, Theater and Dance, Radio-Television-Film, American Studies, Anthropology, Psychology, and Museum Studies, to name a few. Students are encouraged to shape their own critical approaches and to develop a mastery of research in interior design. With the advice and permission of the MID program director or MID graduate adviser, students may select elective courses from other departments on campus.

AREAS OF STUDY

Design model with tiny figurines in a dark room with dozens of gold balls in an artistic display on the wall

MASTER OF INTERIOR DESIGN FIRST PROFESSIONAL [MID I]

MID I may qualify graduates to become licensed or registered as an interior designer. Interested students are encouraged to confirm requirements for the state in which they hope to practice and NCIDQ eligibility requirements.

Black and white geometric facade

MASTER OF INTERIOR DESIGN POST-PROFESSIONAL [MID II]

The MID II degree offers students advanced studies, theory, and research for those holding a prior professional degree in Interior Design or Architecture.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Interior design faculty members in the School of Architecture review the applications and recommend admission to the Graduate School. Admission to the program is highly competitive. Seminars are small and advanced students work one-on-one with their adviser and other faculty members. With the advice and permission of the MID program director or MID graduate adviser, students in the MID program determine their course of study that is tailored to be highly individualized from course offerings and independent studies.

INTERIOR DESIGN STUDENT WORK

Click the images below for project details.

  • Instagram Post
    On Feb. 9, @ramaestudioec joins us for the lecture, “Inhabiting the Process: Techniques, Craft, and Community.” <br>
    @utsoa

    On Feb. 9, @ramaestudioec joins us for the lecture, “Inhabiting the Process: Techniques, Craft, and Community.”

  • Instagram Post
    You've put in the hours, now make sure it’s on their radar! 💼 🧠 <br>Come to the Career Fair on Feb. 6 to get your work and resume seen by industry professionals and foster relationships. No RSVP necessary for students!<br>.<br>.<br>.<br>.<br>.<br>.<br>.<br>🕜 10 AM - 5 PM
    @utsoa

    You've put in the hours, now make sure it’s on their radar! 💼 🧠
    Come to the Career Fair on Feb. 6 to get your work and resume seen by industry professionals and foster relationships. No RSVP necessary for students!
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    🕜 10 AM - 5 PM

  • Instagram Post
    As a new cycle of studios begins, we find ourselves reminiscing on the fall. 🍂 🖼️ 🏙️ <br>
    @utsoa

    As a new cycle of studios begins, we find ourselves reminiscing on the fall. 🍂 🖼️ 🏙️

  • Instagram Post
    On Jan. 28, award-winning architect Erik L’Heureux (@erik_lheureux) joins us for his lecture, "Hot Air.” Together with L'Heureux, we consider what architecture can achieve when it aligns with climate rather than resists it. <br>
    @utsoa

    On Jan. 28, award-winning architect Erik L’Heureux (@erik_lheureux) joins us for his lecture, "Hot Air.” Together with L'Heureux, we consider what architecture can achieve when it aligns with climate rather than resists it.

  • Instagram Post
    On Jan. 23, acclaimed photographer @IwanBaan presents his exhibition, "From Las Vegas to Rome.” <br>
    @utsoa

    On Jan. 23, acclaimed photographer @IwanBaan presents his exhibition, "From Las Vegas to Rome.”

  • Instagram Post
    🌱 SPRING 2026 PROGRAMMING <br>
    @utsoa

    🌱 SPRING 2026 PROGRAMMING

  • Instagram Post
    💼 📆 Mark your calendars for our annual Career Fair on February 6 at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center’s Zlotnik Family Ballroom. Employer registration is filling up quickly, so sign up now before we reach capacity. Details at the 🔗 in our bio!
    @utsoa

    💼 📆 Mark your calendars for our annual Career Fair on February 6 at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center’s Zlotnik Family Ballroom. Employer registration is filling up quickly, so sign up now before we reach capacity. Details at the 🔗 in our bio!

  • Instagram Post
    "If I were a student beginning a career in design, I would want to have a strong foundation in coding and scripting without the use of AI tools before jumping into platforms whose mechanics are largely opaque."<br>
    @utsoa

    "If I were a student beginning a career in design, I would want to have a strong foundation in coding and scripting without the use of AI tools before jumping into platforms whose mechanics are largely opaque."

  • Instagram Post
    With over 29,000 material samples available for students, the Materials Lab is an incredible resource for students. <br>
    @utsoa

    With over 29,000 material samples available for students, the Materials Lab is an incredible resource for students.