Master of Interior Design
LEFT: IDS 2023 booth designed by Interior Design students | CENTRE: Students working in the Design Studio | RIGHT: "Akin Studios" by Interior Design student Meimei Yang
Interior Design Programs
Master of Interior Design
The Master of Interior Design (MID) program is a rigorous, one-year post-professional 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. Whether your goal is to pursue academia or break new ground as a designer, this program will give you the tools and expertise you need to succeed.
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
LEFT: "Play To Power (A Generation)" by Interior Design students Meimei Yang, Daniella Muraca, Nautica Holdip & Buthaina Ahmed | RIGHT: Student working in the Design + Technology Lab
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.
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.
ID8100 Design|Research Seminar I
Graduate Elective
Milestone: Creative Project Proposal
ID8101 Design|Research Seminar II
Graduate Elective
Milestone: Creative Project Phase I
Milestone: Creative Project Completion
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 500-1000 words that addressed 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. Applicant submitted copies will not be accepted.
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. Please complete the Statement of Authorship form. (external link, opens in new window)
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.
For candidates holding a professional Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture, they should consult with the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ), or local professional Interior Design organization for eligibility to take the NCIDQ exam.
*Please note that the TMU interior design program leading to the Bachelor of Interior Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). As a TMU Interior Design graduate, you will only need to submit a letter stating you will graduate (or graduated) from the TMU Interior Design undergraduate program.
Admissions Deadline
Domestic Applications - OPEN
You should submit your application, including all supporting documents, via the online portal by the First Consideration Deadline:
January 19, 2024.
Applications will be accepted until the program has filled all available spots in the program and the waitlist.
International Application - OPEN**
You should submit your application, including all supporting documents, via the online portal by the Preferred Deadline :
December 10, 2023
Applications will be accepted until the First Consideration Deadline: January 19, 2024, at which point the program will review applications received and may close admissions.
Admissions Timeline
Generally the program will begin reviewing applications after the first consideration deadline in January. Offers of admission will begin mid-to-late-March and continue throughout the spring and summer until the program is full.
Information Sessions
Program Information Session
When: Dec 6 @ 6pm
Where: Online via Zoom
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
The Post-Professional Master of Interior Design does not fulfill requirements for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination. It is intended for applicants who already hold a professional accredited degree designated by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), or already have professional certification through the NCIDQ exam.
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, 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.
Minimum GPA or equivalent of 3.00/4.33 (B) in the last two years of study
In Graduate Studies at TMU, the minimum passing GPA is B- (2.67 or 70%). Anything below is considered an F.
This is an in-person program.
The program is one year (3 terms) in length.
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.
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.
There is no co-op option in the curriculum at this time.
No. Undergrad courses can not be applied towards a Graduate degree.
You belong at
The Creative School
As an Interior Design student, you'll be part of The Creative School, a dynamic faculty offering 27 degree programs in media, design and creative industries. Through global experiences and transdisciplinary opportunities, our students emerge as some of the most in demand and employable graduates anywhere.