UNDERGRADUATE APPLICATION AND REQUIREMENTS

To apply to the Basic Interior Design (BID) certificate program, the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree program, or the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree program, you will need to submit to the Office of Admissions the following:

1 – Application form and fee

• Complete online or download and mail to the Office of Admissions.
• A nonrefundable application processing fee of $50 ($75 for those living outside of the US) must be mailed along with the application, or it can be paid online.

2 – Essay

• Submit a personal statement describing your reasons for applying to NYSID.

3 – Transcripts of previous academic work

• A transcript that includes a graduation date from an accredited secondary high school must be sent to the Office of Admissions. Applicants who did not complete secondary school but who have passed the High School Equivalency Examination (GED) must have an official score report sent directly to NYSID.
• Applicants who have a degree from another college or university do not have to submit an official high school transcript but must have official college transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions from each college or university attended. Transfer credit will be assessed by an academic advisor as part of the admissions process.

4 – Letters of Recommendation

• All applicants are required to submit at least two letters of recommendation. Typically, letters come from, but are not limited to, teachers, employers, design professionals, or counselors. Letters from friends or relatives are generally not accepted. Applicants may choose to use this Letter of Recommendation form.

5 – Test Scores

• Applicants who have graduated from high school within the past five years are expected to submit results from either the American College Testing Program (ACT code 2829) or the SAT Reasoning Test of the College Board (CEEB code 0333). These results should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.
• Applicants who have successfully completed 45 or more credit hours at another accredited college or university are not required to submit standardized test results.

6 – Portfolio Requirements – Required for BFA and AAS programs. Applicants without a portfolio, see note below.

• The portfolio should demonstrate the applicant’s technical and creative abilities in the fine and/or applied arts.
• Applicants must submit a portfolio of 10 to 15 pieces. The work should be of varied media and may consist of still life compositions, individual objects, landscapes, portraits, self-portraits, and/or figure drawings. At least two pieces should reflect an interior space. Drafting/technical drawings should be submitted if possible.
• Slides or CDs of work should be sent to the Office of Admissions. Portfolios are returned upon request (a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope must be provided). To present a portfolio in person call 212-472-1500, ext. 204, to make an appointment.

Note: Applicants who are interested in pursuing either the AAS or BFA degree but do not have the required portfolio materials for admissions will be considered for admissions to the nondegree Basic Interior Design (BID) program. Upon successful completion of at least the first semester of the basic program, students may apply for a change of program to either the AAS or BFA degree program. A portfolio of class work is required as part of the change of program application. Required credits earned in the BID program are applied to the AAS and BFA upon acceptance into these programs.

International applicants have additional international requirements.

Apply online through NYSID's web portal.

Download and print the application.

MFA APPLICATION AND REQUIREMENTS

The post-professional Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in interior design is a full-time, 60-credit program for the applicant who has a first-professional undergraduate degree in architecture or interior design (or in a closely related field like landscape design) and has at least two years of work experience. The recommended deadline for applications for admission for the MFA program is March 1. After that date, applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Applicants are notified of admissions decisions be mail and through the NYSID portal after March 15. Requirements are: closely related field. The priority deadline for applications for admission for the MFA program is March 1. After that date, applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Applicants are notified of admissions decisions be mail after March 15, as soon as all required documents have been received and portfolio requirements fulfilled. Requirements are:

1 - Application form and fee

• Complete online or download and mail to the Office of Admissions
• A nonrefundable application processing fee of $50 ($75 for those living outside of the US) must be mailed along with the application, or it can be paid online.

2 – Statement of Intent

• Please describe your academic and professional goals.

3 – Transcripts

• Official college/university transcripts of previous academic work must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.

4 – Letters of Recommendation

• Two letters of recommendation from employers, professors, or others able to judge your aptitude for graduate study must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.

5 – Portfolio

• A portfolio of at least of 15 pieces of design work is required. Slides, CDs, or booklets may be submitted. You must have a professional level of design skills that, in the estimation of the graduate admissions committee, enables you to successfully pursue advanced study.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required; however, if you have taken the examination, you should have the results forwarded to the college. No transfer credit is accepted for the graduate program.

International applicants have additional international requirements.

Apply online through NYSID's web portal.

Download and print the application.