Accreditation

The interior design program leading to the Master of Arts in Interior Architecture is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503.

The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The Master of Arts in Interior Architecture granted by Suffolk University meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Examination. For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit the NCIDQ eligibility page.

See our Student Achievement Data.

Cost of Graduate Study at Suffolk (2022-2023)

Financial Aid for Graduate Study

Suffolk University is pleased to offer merit-based financial aid to graduate students—these awards can be up to $14,750 per academic year. Merit-based aid is awarded based on the applicant's academic credentials presented on the admission application. No separate application is required for merit consideration.

MAIA Program Overview

Full-time candidates, who are often career changers, complete the program in as little as four academic semesters and one summer. The curriculum also provides a shorter path for those with prior experience and part-time options for those wishing to extend their period of study.

For additional information about the program and the application, visit the MAIA Application Q&A page. Please contact the Graduate Program Director for additional information about program timelines.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester: July 15 (International Applicants), August 15 (Domestic Applicants), then rolling
Spring Semester: December 1 (International Applicants), January 4 (Domestic Applicants), then rolling
Learn about the advantages of priority applications.

Application Materials

• Completed application
• $50 application fee (waived for students who visit campus)
• Resume
• Goal statement (essay)
• Two letters of recommendation (Learn more)
• Unofficial transcripts of all post-secondary work. Admitted students enrolling in the program will need to have official transcripts, including proof of degree conferral, on file prior to their first class
• Portfolio (12 - 15 pieces of recent original artwork) submitted via the online application (learn more)
• Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE-Academic scores (international students only)

View details about application materials required.

Portfolio

For candidates without formal art or design training, there are certain foundational skills that should be represented in the applicant's portfolio during the admissions process:

• Evidence of observational drawings (still life and figure studies)
• Examples of analytical drawing (perspective and orthographic representations)
• Demonstration of ‘process oriented’ making skills (architectural models, sculptural or craft based projects that are iterative in nature)
• Evidence of graphic work demonstrating 2D compositional color studies
• Rendered drawings of architectural interiors and/or orthographic projections
• Evidence of introductory CAD, Raster and Vector graphic software

Course Waiver Eligibility

Students with a background in art or design may be able to waive some or all of the courses in the leveling pathway. Candidates wishing to petition for such waivers must work with the Program Director before registering for academic coursework.