Detailed Information
Program of Study
The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) at the New York School of Interior Design is a postprofessional degree that is of particular interest to graduates of various design programs and to practitioners in interior design, architecture, and other related disciplines who wish to pursue advanced study. The M.F.A. in interior design program focuses on advanced studio and academic research in history, theory, and methods as they relate to an interdisciplinary approach to interiors and design. The M.F.A. curriculum is composed of 60 credits of study and is formulated to expand understanding of different design disciplines, with special emphasis on their interdependence.
There are four components of the program: a core design studio sequence, specialty studios, lectures and seminars, and electives. Students may earn up to 3 elective credits in a supervised internship arranged by the college. The core design studio sequence consists of a series of experiences of increasing complexity that culminate in the thesis studio. The thesis (11 credits) is required as a culminating project and consists of 3 credits of directed research followed by an 8-credit individually mentored studio project. Each student must demonstrate originality, research and design skill, and creative capacity to resolve advanced problems in design. The thesis is presented to a graduate faculty jury for evaluation.
Research Facilities
The library, with more than 10,000 books, periodicals, and indexes, covers every aspect of international art, design, decorative arts, architecture, professional practice, and related subjects and houses a materials collection of current trade catalogs and manufacturers’ samples. There is access to the Internet and other electronic resources. New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) is part of a cooperative arrangement with prominent New York City universities that gives students and faculty members reciprocal access to over 2.6 million volumes. NYSID is also a member of the Metropolitan New York Library Council (METRO), a consortium of more than 300 regional libraries.
Financial Aid
NYSID offers a limited number of merit-based graduate fellowships. These fellowships are awarded in the amount of $5000 to $10,000 per academic year and are renewable in the second year on the basis of demonstrated continuing need and maintenance of good academic standing. Students may also qualify for financial assistance in the form of federal, state, private loan, and grant programs. For further information, applicants should contact the NYSID Financial Aid Administrator.
Cost of Study
Tuition for students in the graduating class of 2010 is $10,875 per semester for a total of 60 credits over four semesters.
Living and Housing Costs
NYSID’s charge for room only is approximately $15,600 for the nine-month academic year. Transportation and living expenses vary but may be $3000 for a single student.
Student Group
The New York School of Interior Design enrolls up to 20 students in its master’s degree program each year.
Student Outcomes
NYSID offers current students and graduates active career placement services, including individual counseling on writing a resume and preparing a portfolio. Recent placements have included such prominent residential and contract design firms as Clodagh Architectural Design, Aero Studios Ltd., John Saladino, Gensler & Associates, Skidmore Owings & Merrill, and The Rockwell Group.
Location
The New York School of Interior Design is located in Manhattan’s Upper East Side Historic District. NYSID’s campus is within easy walking distance of some of New York City’s finest museums, showrooms, antiques shops, and auction houses.
The School
Founded in 1916, the New York School of Interior Design is the only private, nonprofit college in New York City that specializes solely in interior design. Chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York in 1924, the New York School of Interior Design is authorized by the Board of Regents to confer the degrees of Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (CIDA-accredited B.F.A.), and Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.). NYSID is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Applying
This postprofessional program is designed primarily for students who have earned professional-level degrees in interior design, architecture, environmental design, or a closely related field. Each applicant must submit a portfolio of a minimum of fifteen pieces of design work that demonstrate an ability to pursue advanced study in design. A personal interview is recommended for all applicants. Students are not required to take the Graduate Record Examinations, but a minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79–80 (Internet-based) on the TOEFL is required of all international students whose language of education was not English. The preferred submission deadline is March 15. The application fee is $50 for U.S. applicants and $75 for international applicants.
The Faculty
- Scott Ageloff, Dean, NYSID; M.Arch., Yale; IDEC, ASID, AIA. Educator, interior designer, and architect. Certified by NCIDQ and the State of New York. Principal, Ageloff & Associates.
- Peter Brandt, B.Arch., MIT. Architect, interior designer, and author. Certified by NCIDQ. Former Vice President and Managing Principal, Gensler and Associates. Principal, Brandt Design Associates.
- Debra Bryant, M.F.A., Syracuse. Set designer. Production designer, CBS Evening News.
- Renee Estacio, B.S.Arch., Santo Tomas (Philippines). Furniture and interior designer.
- Donna Goodman, M.Arch., Columbia; AIA. Registered architect. Exhibitions and research funded by the Graham Foundation, the New York State Council of the Arts, and the J. M. Kaplan Fund.
- Tobias Holler, M.Arch., Pratt. LEED-Accredited Professional; licensed architect in New York State; AIA; Associate, Cook + Fox Architects.
- Eileen Imber, M.U.P., CUNY Graduate Center; M.S., CUNY, Brooklyn; ASLA, President, 1 Land Design landscape architecture.
- Barbara A. Lowenthal, M.Arch., Princeton. Registered architect. Principal, Barbara Lowenthal.
- Kim Plaskon Nadel, M.S., Pratt; NCIDQ. LEED-Accredited Professional. President, NICHE Design.
- John Otis, M.S., Massachusetts; IDSA. Interior, exhibit, furniture, and product designer. Director, Object Inc.
- Matthew Postal, Ph.D., CUNY Graduate Center. Architectural historian.
- Ann L. Schiffers, M.F.A., Parsons. Architectural lighting designer. Principal, Ann Schiffers Lighting Design.
- Gregory Stanford, B.Arch., Syracuse. Interior designer and architect. Senior Designer, The Rockwell Group.
- Edwin J. Zawadski, M. Arch., Yale. Principal, In Situ Design.
Correspondence and Information
New York School of Interior Design
Office of Graduate Admissions
170 East 70th Street
New York, New York 10021
Telephone:
212-472-1500 Ext. 204
Email:
admissions@nysid.edu
