Program Overview

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Master of Interior Design

The Post-Professional Master of Interior Design (MID) program is a rigorous, one-year program designed to prepare future leaders and changemakers to take on growing industry demands. As a student in the program, you'll gain a deep understanding of how interior design impacts society and delve into cutting-edge concepts such as design thinking models, emerging technology, and new approaches to sustainability.

Interior Design Programs

• Post-Professional Master of Interior Design (MID)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Post-Professional Master of Interior Design

The one-year Post-Professional MID program is for those who hold an accredited undergraduate degree in interior design, such as a Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) or Bachelor of Design (BDes), an accredited Bachelor of Architecture (BArch), or have passed the NCIDQ exam.

Degree Earned

Master of Interior Design

Program Format

Full time / 1 year

Curriculum

The Master of Interior Design curriculum strikes a balance between creative practice and design inquiry. Working in a studio environment, you'll explore emerging trends and develop innovative design solutions to real-world problems. Through research and community engagement, you will learn how the built environment contributes to strong communities.

Course Structure

• FALL | WINTER | SPRING/SUMMER
• ID8100 Design|Research Seminar I | ID8101 Design|Research Seminar II | Milestone: Creative Project/MRP
• Graduate Elective | Graduate Elective | Milestone: Creative Project Proposal | Milestone: Creative Project Phase I

The Creative School Graduate Electives

The Creative School offers graduate elective courses open to all students in the faculty. If you are interested in taking an elective outside of your program, please note that spots for non-program students in graduate electives are limited.

Why Master of Interior Design?

Research + Creativity

Prepare for the design industry and build strong practice and theoretical foundations with curriculum that fosters both creative work and advanced research.

Facilities & Technology

Access a world-leading digital fabrication facility as well as traditional woodworking shops, ceramics facilities, and a materials library specifically curated for interior design.

International Reputation

Earn an internationally recognized degree from the only interior design graduate program in Ontario. Our reputation within the design community means opportunities to collaborate with industry partners and expand your professional network.

Paid Opportunities

Apply for scholarships, funding, and paid opportunities like research assistant and graduate teaching assistant positions.

Moving the Industry Forward

Be a part of a progressive educational hub that's responding to the economic, social, cultural, environmental, and technological forces demanding change in interior design and allied fields.

A Growing Field

According to the most recent Government of Canada's job outlook, employment growth for interior designers will increase over the next five years.

Admissions

Admissions Deadline

Domestic Applications

Applications for Fall 2026 will open: September 29, 2025. We recommend submitting your application, including all supporting documents, before the First Consideration Deadline: January.

International Applications

Applications for Fall 2026 will open: September 29, 2025. You should submit your application, including all supporting documents, by the Preferred Deadline: December 1, 2025.

Admissions Timeline

The program will begin reviewing applications as early as December for International applicants and January for Domestic applicants. Offers of admission will begin mid-to-late-March and continue throughout the spring and summer until the program is full.

Academic Requirements

• Completion of a four-year undergraduate (or equivalent) degree in interior design from an accredited institution such as a Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) or Bachelor of Design (BDes), an accredited Bachelor of Architecture (BArch), or have passed the NCIDQ exam.
• Minimum GPA or equivalent of 3.00/4.33 (B) in the last two years of study
• Transcripts
• English language proficiency requirement

Non-Academic Requirements

Statement of Interest

A statement of words that addresses the following:

• Applicant's reason for pursuing a graduate degree in Interior Design
• Areas of emphasis the applicant wishes to pursue
• How the applicant's previous studies and experiences have prepared them for this program
• Career objectives upon completion of the degree program

Resumé/CV

Include professional work experience, creative practices, and related activities.

Two Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation must come directly from the referee. At least one recommendation letter must be from a professor familiar with the applicant's work.

Portfolio

A portfolio consisting of 10-15 pages of design or design-related work. Applicants with prior professional work experience can include office projects in the portfolio but will be asked to identify the role and scope of work completed on any team project, as well as any team projects from previous academic work.

Proof of Accreditation

A letter from the degree-granting institution confirming the applicant's program was CIDA accredited. Where an applicant did not attend a CIDA-accredited program but passed the NCIDQ exam, documentation can be submitted confirming this from NCIDQ or from the certifying organization.

Fees & Funding

Fees

Tuition for the Master of Interior Design program is a yearly charge, which is broken into three equivalent payments due at the start of each term. Tuition is assessed based on the yearly fee, it is not dependent on the number of courses you take per term.

Graduate Funding

Admissions Awards

• Toronto Metropolitan Graduate Fellowship (TMGF): Value ranges from $2,000 to $6,000.
• Toronto Metropolitan Graduate Development Award (TMGDA): Value ranges from $2,000 to $6,000.
• Ontario Graduate Fellowship (OGF): Value is $12,000 for one year.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) / Toronto Met Graduate Scholarship (TMGS)

• $15,000 award for one year.
• Eligible applicants will be notified by the program to submit an application around February/March.
• For students with an A- in each of the last two years of completed study.

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Canada Graduate Scholarship (SSHRC CGS-M)

• $17,500 - $27,000 award for one year.
• For Domestic applicants with an A- avg. in each of the last two years of completed study.
• Application deadline is Dec 1; award is granted for the following Fall term.

Bridging Divides (BD) Entrance Scholarship

• Bridging Divides (BD) offers a limited number of stipends to full-time Master's and PhD students studying or applying to study at Toronto Metropolitan University on a topic related to one of Bridging Divide's four research themes.
• Master students: Up to $20,000 per year for domestic and $30,000 for international.
• Renewable for up to a total of two years, subject to annual review of the student's progress and the availability of funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Master of Interior Design degree recognized by specific associations? (ie: NCIDQ, CIDA)

No. The MID is designed as a post-professional degree that allows candidates to deepen their knowledge in a particular area of Interior Design. Applicants should hold undergraduate degrees that fulfill professional requirements.

Will it be easier to become a licensed interior designer after completing this program?

The MID allows candidates to conduct practical and professional research in areas of interest in the field of Interior Design. While completing this program can help a graduate be a better interior designer, the program is not designed to facilitate licensure.

In addition to teaching opportunities, what other professional interior design opportunities will I be able to pursue after graduation?

In addition to teaching opportunities, graduates of the MID program will be well-placed to take up more senior roles in design firms. The program is also well-suited to designers interested in research opportunities, interdisciplinary collaborations, and to launch their own creative practices.

What is the minimum GPA required to apply to the program?

Minimum GPA or equivalent of 3.00/4.33 (B) in the last two years of study.

Do I have to maintain a specific GPA while in the program?

In Graduate Studies at TMU, the minimum passing GPA is B- (2.67 or 70%). Anything below is considered an F.

Is the program offered in-person, online, or both?

This is an in-person program.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The program is one year (3 terms) in length.

Is the length of the program flexible (i.e., Can I complete the program faster than expected or extend the time I take to complete it?)

The minimum time to complete the program is 1 year (3 terms). You may be able to extend the time you take to complete the program, but that would require special permission and additional tuition fees.

Is it possible to enroll in the program as a part-time student?

The MID program is full-time, there is no part-time option at this time. You may be able to extend the time you take to complete the program, but that would require special permission and additional tuition fees.

Does the program include a co-op component that I can apply towards the work experience hours needed to write the NCIDQ exam?

There is no co-op option in the curriculum at this time.

Can courses I've completed as part of my undergraduate degree be used towards the MID degree?

No. Undergrad courses cannot be applied towards a Graduate degree.