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Veda Burman Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
Highlights
- Degree Types: Masters in interior design in USA is a full-time graduate course offered as MS, MA, MDes. and MFA degrees.
- Top Universities: Top universities like UT Austin, Illinois State University and Florida State University offer this program.
- Job Opportunities: Every year about 9,000 job openings in interior design field are projected by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2022 to 2032.
- Lucrative Salaries: Once graduated, you can expect to earn an average salary of 64,000 USD per annum (53.28 lakhs INR) as an interior designer in USA.
Masters in interior design in USA is a 2-3 years graduate degree program. International students with a relevant bachelor’s degree and over 70% aggregate can secure admission to the program. For admission to the masters in interior design in USA, you will require the following:
- Up to 3 LORs
- SOP
- Portfolio
- CV
- Up to 2 years of work experience as an interior designer
Cost of Studying: To study interior design in USA in masters level, International students can anticipate tuition expenses between 32,146 up to 94,411 USD (26.77 to 78.64 lakhs INR). You should also consider additional expenses like SEVIS fees and living cost of around 15,700 and 22,200 USD (13.07 and 18.48 lakhs INR) per year.
Best Universities for Masters in Interior Design in USA
Interior design masters courses in USA are offered in the fall, spring, and summer terms. Some of the best universities in USA for interior design masters programs in USA, along with the programs offered, and application deadlines are listed below:
| Top Universities | Program | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| University of Texas at Austin | Master of Interior Design (First Professional) | January 11, 2025 |
| Florida State University | MS in Interior Design (First Professional) | Summer: February 1, 2025 |
| Rhode Island School of Design | Master of Design (MDes) in Interior Studies | January 5, 2025 |
| Eastern Michigan University | MS in Interior Design | Fall: Mid-December | Winter: Mid-April | Summer: Mid-August |
| Illinois State University | MS/MA in Family and Consumer Sciences- Interior Design | Fall: February 15, 2025 |
| University of North Texas | Master of Fine Arts: Interior Design | Spring: October 1, 2024 | Fall and Summer: January 5, 2025 |
| Pratt Institute | Master of Fine Arts: Interior Design | Spring: October 1, 2024 | Fall: January 5, 2025 |
| New York School of Interior Design | Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design | Spring: October 1, 2024 | Fall: February 1, 2025 |
| Academy of Art University | MA in Interior Architecture and Design | Rolling admission |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | MA in Interior Design | Rolling admission |
| Washington State University | MA in Interior Design | January 10, 2025 |
Why Study Masters in Interior Design in USA?
- Top Universities: Currently, 5 of the top 10 institutes in the world for Art and Design belong to USA, according to QS Rankings by Subject.
- Top Recruiters: In USA, you will get the opportunity to work across top interior design companies like Studio O+A, IA, Eastlake Studio and others.
- Growing Employment Opportunities: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, 9,000 job openings for interior designers are expected each year over the next decade. This reflects high employment opportunities for interior designers in USA. Check out the earning potential of interior designers in USA:
![Masters in Interior Design in USA Payscale]()
Masters in Interior Design in USA: Admission Requirements
International students are expected to demonstrate a bachelor’s degree with around 70-85% aggregate for admission to masters in interior design in US universities. The university-wise admission requirements for interior design masters in USA are tabulated below:
| Universities | Academic Requirements | Additional Requirements | English Proficiency Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Texas at Austin | Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field | SOP/ Essay of 750-1000 words | 3 LORs | Updated resume/CV | Portfolio | Official transcripts | TOEFL iBT: 79 | IELTS: 6.5 |
| Florida State University | Bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall aggregate of 85% | SOP | 3 LORs | Portfolio | Official transcripts | GRE Scores: Verbal- 149 | Quant- 145 | TOEFL iBT: 80 | IELTS: 6.5 |
| Rhode Island School of Design | Bachelor’s degree with 85% aggregate | SOP | 3 LORs | Updated resume/CV | Portfolio | Official transcripts | TOEFL iBT: 93 | IELTS: 6.5 |
| Eastern Michigan University | Bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall aggregate of 70-75% | Official transcripts | TOEFL iBT: 79 | IELTS: 6.5 |
| Illinois State University | Bachelor’s degree with 85% aggregate | SOP | 3 LORs | TOEFL iBT: 79 | IELTS: 6.5 |
| University of North Texas | Bachelor’s degree in design, architecture or related fields | 2 years of professional work experience as an interior designer | Official transcripts | TOEFL iBT: 79 | IELTS: 6.0 |
| Pratt Institute | Bachelor’s degree in a related field | SOP | Portfolio | TOEFL iBT: 88 | IELTS: 7.0 |
| New York School of Interior Design | Bachelor’s degree in design, architecture or a closely related field | Essay | 2 LORs | Updated resume/CV | Portfolio | TOEFL iBT: 79 | IELTS: 6.5 |
| Academy of Art University | Bachelor’s degree with 2.0 GPA out of 4.0 (75%) | Updated resume/CV | SOP | Portfolio review | TOEFL iBT: 79 | IELTS: 6.5 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Bachelor’s degree | Recommendations | Updated resume/CV | Portfolio | SOP | Interview | TOEFL iBT: 85 | IELTS: 6.5 |
| Washington State University | Bachelor’s degree | 3 LORs | SOP | Portfolio | Updated resume/CV | TOEFL iBT: 80 | IELTS: 7.0 |
US Student Visa Application
You need a US student visa for admission to a masters program in US as an international student. The supporting documents required to avail the F1 visa are as follows:
- Academic transcripts and mark sheets in English
- Confirmation page of form DS-160
- SEVIS fee payment receipt
- Standardized test scores
- Your recent photo
- Valid passport
- Proof of genuine intent to leave USA after education
- Proof of availability of sufficient finances to stay and study in USA
- Form I-20, signed by the candidate and an official of the SEVP-approved school
Masters in Interior Design in USA Cost
The total tuition fees for masters in interior design in USA ranges between 32,146 up to 94,411 USD (26.77 to 78.64 lakhs INR). The tuition fees for international students pursuing masters in interior design programs across some renowned universities in USA are as follows:
| Top Universities | Total Tuition Fee (USD) | Tuition Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Washington State University | 2024-25: 14,636.50 to 16,903 | 12.19 to 14.08 lakhs |
| Eastern Michigan University | 26,854 (For 16 out of 36 total credit hours) | 22.36 lakhs for 16 credit hours |
| University of Texas Austin | 32,146 | 26.77 lakhs |
| Illinois State University | 35,108.8 | 29.24 lakhs |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | 42,120 per year | 35.08 per semester |
| Academy of Art University | Spring: 42,120 | Fall: 48,450 | 35.08 to 40.35 lakhs |
| New York School of Interior Design | 44,100 | 36.73 lakhs |
| Pratt Institute | 47,616 | 39.66 lakhs |
| Rhode Island School of Design | 61,564 per year for 2+ years | 51.28 lakhs per year for 2+ years |
| Florida State University | 94,411 | 78.64 lakhs |
| University of North Texas | 101,082 for 3 years (33,694 per year) | 84.20 lakhs for 3 years (28.06 lakhs per year) |
Cost of Living in USA
The estimated cost of living in USA for an international student ranges between 15,700-22,200 USD (13.07 to 18.48 lakhs INR). An estimation of the cost of living in USA for international students is provided below:
Masters in Interior Design in USA: Scholarships
As an international student pursuing interior design master degree in USA, you can gain several scholarships in USA based on financial need and/or academic merit. Following is the list of some popular scholarships in USA for prospective international students planning to pursue masters in interior design program in US:
| Scholarships | Eligibility | Award Details |
|---|---|---|
| Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships | Citizen of a country with Rotary clubs | 2 years of college course work or equivalent | Up to 25,000 USD |
| Fulbright Scholarships for Indians | Indian citizen | Academic excellence | English proficiency | Monthly stipend, Tuition and cost of attendance coverage |
| Inlaks Scholarship | Indian citizen | Minimum 65-75% marks | 100,000 USD |
| AAUW International Fellowship | Non US based women pursuing master’s and doctoral programs in USA | 20,000-50,000 USD |
| JN Tata Endowment Fund (loan) | Indian citizens | Bachelor’s degree | Minimum 60% marks | 1,00,000-10,00,000 INR |
| SelfScore International Student Scholarship | Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in prior studies, must score in the top 15% in SAT/ACT | 5,000 USD |
| Global Student Scholarship | Enrolled full-time in an American university/college Submission of 3 essay questions | 1,000 USD |
| TEC Scholarship | Enrolled full-time in an American university/college Submission of essay questions | 1,000 USD |
Masters in Interior Design in USA Job Opportunities
Masters in interior design graduates in USA begin career as interior designers, interior architects, project/program managers, lecturers, and industry representatives. Graduates of the program with a MDes. degree reportedly earn an average salary of 64,000 USD per annum (53.28 lakhs INR).
A list of the commonly pursued high paying jobs in USA after MS in interior design and their corresponding average salaries are as follows:
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Equivalent Salary for Indians (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Interior Designer | 47,125 | 39.24 lakhs |
| Assistant Interior Designer | 48,755 | 40.59 lakhs |
| Interior Designer | 55,075 | 45.86 lakhs |
| Senior Interior Designer | 77,675 | 64.68 lakhs |
| User Experience Designer | 88,620 | 73.79 lakhs |
| Design Director, Interior Design | 97,293 | 81.01 lakhs |
A graphical representation of the average salary after master's in interior design in USA is provided below:
USA Work Permit Application
After completing higher education in USA, you have to change the F1 visa status to stay and work in USA. To secure a post study work visa in USA, you should demonstrate the following documents:
- University acceptance letter and all academic documents (Transcripts)
- Valid passport
- Proper address
- Migration, provisional, character, and birth certificates
- Bank transaction of last 6 months and balance certificate as proof of finance availability
Note: The immigration officer can ask for additional supporting documents during the visa interview.
Masters in Interior Design in USA Return on Investment
MS in interior design in USA is a program offering high return on investment with graduates reportedly earning up to 310,000 USD per annum (2.58 lakhs INR) across senior roles like executive creative director. A comparison between the total tuition fees for 2-3 years in the US universities offering masters in interior design and the average salary of the graduates is provided below:
Masters in Interior Design in USA promotes design research, critical thinking, and creativity. The curriculum combines theory and technical skills, preparing graduates to enter the workforce for all interior spaces, components, and elements of built environment. Once graduated, you can secure jobs in both the commercial and residential sectors of the profession with a lucrative average salary of 64,000 USD per annum (53.28 lakhs INR).
FAQs
Ques. Where can I study Masters in Interior Design in USA?
Ans, In USA, masters in interior design is offered across several institutes, including top ranked universities like University of Texas at Austin, Florida State University, and Illinois State University. A list of some top universities offering masters in interior design in USA and their application deadlines is provided below:
| Top Universities | Program | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| University of Texas at Austin | Master of Interior Design (First Professional) | Priority: December 2024 | Final Deadline: April 2025 |
| Florida State University | MS in Interior Design (First Professional) | February 1, 2025 |
| Rhode Island School of Design | Master of Design (MDes) in Interior Studies | August 16, 2024 |
| Eastern Michigan University | MS in Interior Design | Rolling Admissions | Fall: Mid-December | Winter: Mid-April | Summer: Mid-August |
| Illinois State University | MS/MA in Family and Consumer Sciences - Interior Design | Spring (January): November 1, 2024 | Fall Priority (August): February 15, 2025 |
| University of North Texas | Master of Fine Arts: Interior Design | Spring: October 1, 2024 | Fall: January 5, 2025 |
| Pratt Institute | Master of Fine Arts: Interior Design | Application open |
| New York School of Interior Design | Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design | Fall: February 1, 2025 |
| Academy of Art University | MA in Interior Architecture and Design | Rolling admission |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | MA in Interior Design | No deadline | Apply at least 30 days before intended term of entry |
| Washington State University | MA in Interior Design | Priority: January 10, 2025 |
Ques. Is interior design in demand in USA?
Ans. Yes. Interior designers are in high demand in USA with high paying job opportunities. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 9,000 openings for interior designers in USA are projected every year from 2022-2032. Once graduated, you can pursue professions like:
- Interior designer
- Industrial designer
- Senior interior designer
- Assistant interior designer,
Ques. How much is the tuition fee for masters in interior design in USA?
Ans. As an international student, you can estimate tuition fees between 32,146 up to 94,411 USD (26.77 to 78.64 lakhs INR) for masters in interior design in USA. Check out the tuition fees for the program across some top universities in USA:
| Top Universities | Total Tuition Fee (USD) | Tuition Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Washington State University | 2024-25: 14,636.50 to 16,903 | 12.19 to 14.08 lakhs |
| Eastern Michigan University | 26,854 (For 16 out of 36 total credit hours) | 22.36 lakhs for 16 credit hours |
| University of Texas Austin | 32,146 | 26.77 lakhs |
| Illinois State University | 35,108.8 | 29.24 lakhs |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | 42,120 per year | 35.08 per semester |
| Academy of Art University | Spring: 42,120 | Fall: 48,450 | 35.08 to 40.35 lakhs |
| New York School of Interior Design | 44,100 | 36.73 lakhs |
| Pratt Institute | 47,616 | 39.66 lakhs |
| Rhode Island School of Design | 61,564 per year for 2+ years | 51.28 lakhs per year for 2+ years |
| Florida State University | 94,411 | 78.64 lakhs |
| University of North Texas | 101,082 for 3 years (33,694 per year) | 84.20 lakhs for 3 years (28.06 lakhs per year) |
Ques. What can you do with a masters in interior design in USA?
Ans. You can start working as an interior designer, immediately after your masters in interior design in USA. Some commonly pursued professions after masters in interior design in USA are as follows:
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Equivalent Salary for Indians (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Interior Designer | 47,125 | 39.24 lakhs |
| Assistant Interior Designer | 48,755 | 40.59 lakhs |
| Interior Designer | 55,075 | 45.86 lakhs |
| Senior Interior Designer | 77,675 | 64.68 lakhs |
| User Experience Designer | 88,620 | 73.79 lakhs |
| Design Director, Interior Design | 97,293 | 81.01 lakhs |
Ques: Do interior designers get paid well in USA?
Ans. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, interior designers earn an average salary of 62,510 USD per annum (52.04 lakhs INR). According to payscale, interior design graduates reportedly earn an average salary of 64,000 USD per annum (53.28 lakhs INR).
Ques. How long is masters in interior design in USA?
Ans. Masters in interior design in USA is a 2-3 years long degree program. The program is generally structured around 30 credit hours, but the number of credits vary across universities.
Ques. What is the highest paying job in USA interior design?
Ans. Design Director, Interior Design, are the highest earners in the field of interior design in USA according to payscale, with an average salary of 97,293 USD per annum (81.01 lakhs INR). User Experience Designers are also among the highest earners with an average salary of 88,620 USD (73.79 lakhs INR).
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