Department of Interior Design

The UM Department of Interior Design has a long established reputation for excellence, leading Canada in the development of the first Master of Interior Design program. Located in the interdisciplinary Faculty of Architecture, the department offers excellent opportunities for extending collaborative perspectives and theoretical understanding.

Mission Statement

The Department of Interior Design promotes a culture of creativity, professionalism, and integrity across both undergraduate and graduate education. Grounded in studio learning and critical inquiry, the Department prepares students to engage thoughtfully with the environmental, cultural, technological, and ethical dimensions of design. Graduates are equipped to respond to local and global challenges, shaping interior environments that support well-being, foster dialogue, and contribute to a more sustainable and socially responsive built world.

rendering of a warm entrance space.

Department of Interior Design

Image by Ashley Peebles

Graduate program: Master of Interior Design

The Master of Interior Design (MID) program trains interior designers equipped to work nationally and internationally at the forefront of the profession. 

The First-Professional Program is for students interested in interior design practice, who have an undergraduate degree such as a Bachelor of Environmental Design. This program emphasizes the creation of human-centered and context-based design solutions that respond to the needs of contemporary life. The core curriculum focuses on professionalism and an understanding of contemporary practice. The program requires a minimum of two full years of study to complete.

The Post-Professional Program is for students who already hold a professional degree in interior design (such as a Bachelor of Interior Design) and would like to increase their education and credentials. The program has a research orientation and advances knowledge in specific areas of the discipline. The program requires a minimum of one and a half years of full-time study to complete.

In addition, the department offers a Pre-master's Program for students with degrees other than Interior/Environmental Design to prepare applicants to meet the admission requirements of the First-Professional Program. For more information on admissions and portfolio requirements read the portfolio overview (PDF).

Accreditation

The interior design program leading to the Master of Interior Design (first-professional) degree, is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, 206 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, 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 Interior Design (first-professional) degree granted by University of Manitoba meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: https://www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements.

 

Courses

Pre-master Interior Design courses

Total credit hours: 36

All students program of study will be structured in consultation with the department head. Students progress will be reviewed each semester and a third term of study may be required. Please be aware Schedules and Courses are subject to change up to and including the first week of class.

First-professional Master of Interior Design courses

First year

Second year

In addition to the above courses, students must take six credit hours of advisor-approved electives.

Total credit hours: 48

Post-professional Master of Interior Design courses

Total credit hours: 21

Fall 2025 laptop and software requirements

Software Requirements

Required:

Adobe Creative Cloud
Microsoft Office
AutoCAD 2026
Revit 2026

Recommended:

3ds max 2026
Rhinoceros 3D v8
Bluebeam Revu
Enscape
SketchUp

Pricing and availability of each software title is available on the CADLab website, under the “Available software” link.

Minimum Laptop Requirements:

OS: Windows 11
Processor: Intel Core 7 Ultra, Ryzen 7, or faster
RAM: 16GB RAM; 32GB recommended
Graphics: Radeon RX or NVIDIA RTX
Display: 1920x1080 minimum; 4K recommended
Storage: 512GB SSD Minimum; 1TB recommended

Why is there no Mac option?

This is because of some of the required software is only available for Windows.

Student achievement

As mandated by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), the Department of Interior Design is required to publish information to the public regarding student achievement in our Professional Master of Interior Design Program. Data is collected using institutional records, alumni surveys and observation.

Student retention

  • 80% of students who began in the fall of 2023 returned in the fall of 2024 
  • 100% of students who began in the fall of 2022 returned in the fall of 2023 
  • 100% of students who began in the fall of 2021 returned in the fall of 2022
  • 100% of students who began in the fall of 2020 returned in the fall of 2021 
  • 100% of students who began in the fall of 2019 returned in the fall of 2020

Degrees granted

  • 22 students graduated in the 2024-25 academic year 
  • 14 students graduated in the 2023-24 academic year 
  • 13 students graduated in the 2022-23 academic year 
  • 8 students graduated in the 2021-22 academic year
  • 11 students graduated in the 2020-21 academic year

Professional MID graduation rates

  • 34 months was the average time to completion for the students who graduated in 2024-25 
  • 46.8 months was the average time to completion for the students who graduated in 2023-24 
  • 45.8 months was the average time to completion for the students who graduated in 2022-23 
  • 31.5 months was the average time to completion for the students who graduated in 2021-22 
  • 36 months was the average time to completion for the students who graduated in 2020-21

Acceptance into the program

The program is competitive, with acceptance rates ranging from approximately 25–35% between 2021 and 2024 and rising to 58% in 2025.

Job placement rates 

Based on student surveys

  • 75% of students who graduated in 2025 are employed in interior design or a related profession (As of May 2025) 
  • 76% of students who graduated in 2024 are employed in interior design or a related profession  
  • 69% of students who graduated in 2023 are employed in interior design or a related profession 
  • 100% of students who graduated in 2022 are employed in interior design or a related profession
  • 100% of students who graduated in 2021 are employed in interior design or a related profession
  • 91% of students who graduated in 2020 are employed in interior design or a related profession

Master of Interior Design student experience

Interior designers emerging out of the University of Manitoba have an established reputation for successful collaboration in the building industry.

They work independently or in conjunction with design teams to determine interior environments; assessing and interpreting client and user requirements for projects as diverse as hospitals, offices, restaurants, retail design and resorts. Areas of expertise in the department include universal access, cultural theory, design theory, design education, lighting, work environments, human comfort and profession-based research.

MID practicum and thesis proposal information

Proposals should be sent to gradarch@umanitoba.ca before 4:00pm on one of the following days:

  • October 3, 2024
  • November 7, 2024
  • January 23, 2025
  • March 13, 2025
  • April 17, 2025

 

Interior Design Alumni Profiles

The Department of Interior Design is proud of our graduates, who come from diverse backgrounds. Each has a unique journey and perspective that reflects their post-graduation achievements. Their profiles offer a vivid glimpse into the MID program, often showcasing the pivotal experiences that shaped their careers.

If you are a graduate of the MID program and would like to be featured, please get in touch with Kelley Beaverford at kelley.beaverford@umanitoba.ca

Contact us

Department of Interior design
Faculty of Architecture
201 John A. Russell Building
84 Curry Place
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M6

gradarch@umanitoba.ca
204-474-8769
204-474-7532