The College of Arts and Sciences will host an Open House on August 20 for prospective students interested in learning more about the new graduate program.
The Fairfield MA in interior design is the first and only one in our state, and recognizes the industry's growing reputation both academically and professionally.
— Walter Rankin PhD, vice provost for continuing and professional studies
For more than 40 years, ¶¶Òô»ÆƬapp’s post-baccalaureate program in interior design has been providing designers-in-training with the necessary credentials and industry knowledge to earn their professional certification in interior design. Once considered the University’s best-kept secret, the part-time program has gained tremendous momentum in the past 10 years, issuing well over a hundred certificates in residential, professional, and commercial design. This fall, the program will continue to grow and evolve as Fairfield becomes the first university in Connecticut to offer a master of arts degree in interior design.
“It’s no surprise that New York is home to a number of graduate programs in interior architecture and design, but in researching similar programs in Connecticut, we saw a real lack of options for professionals hoping to pursue a master's degree in this creative, rewarding field,” said Walter Rankin, vice provost for continuing and professional studies. “The Fairfield MA in interior design is the first and only one in our state, and recognizes the industry's growing reputation both academically and professionally."
The new master’s program provides an opportunity for students without any background in interior design to develop the creative skills, industry knowledge, and hands-on experience required to earn an advanced degree and professional certification in interior design. Students will receive individualized support and training from an experienced faculty of professional designers and industry experts, who will teach them the technical skills to translate abstract concepts into three-dimensional reality.
“One of the unique appeals of our program is that it is specifically geared toward educated adults who wish to make a career change,” explained program director and independent interior designer Robert A. Hardy, ASID, IDEC, NCIDQ. “We provide individualized support throughout the program, and we designed the curriculum to be extremely flexible. This allows adults to successfully complete their studies, despite their busy schedules and demanding lives.”
Over the course of their studies, students will also be given the opportunity to develop a robust portfolio of design work, and qualify to become NCIDQ (National Council of Interior Design Qualification) certified and members of The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) or the International Interior Design Society (IIDS).
Prospective students interested in learning more about the new master’s program are encouraged to attend the College of Arts and Sciences’ annual Interior Design Open House on Tuesday, August 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the ¶¶Òô»ÆƬapp Bookstore (1499 Post Rd.) or on campus from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Kelley Center. The informational event is free and open to the public, and will be hosted by Hardy.
“Our open houses are a great way for prospective students to have their questions answered one-on-one and to learn more about the programs and the steps involved in the application process,” Hardy explained. “They also provide a wonderful opportunity to meet future classmates and to network with other people who share a similar passion for design.”
To learn more about ¶¶Òô»ÆƬapp’s new master’s degree in interior design, visit fairfield.edu/design.
