General Application Procedures
All applicants should view the specific requirements for each program to which they plan to apply prior to sending any documents or materials, as some programs have unique requirements. Unique requirements can be viewed by using the links located on the left of this page.
Applicants may apply to multiple programs with a single application form by selecting each program to which they are applying. The Office of Graduate Admission only requires one set of printed documents from applicants to multiple programs, but please note that applicants are required to upload a portfolio for each program to which they've applied.
The Office of Graduate Admission strongly recommends that applicants gather all transcripts, recommendations and other materials and send them in a single package. A complete application must include the following materials:
1. Completed, signed, and dated Graduate Admission Application Form
2. Curriculum Vitae/Résumé
3. Statement of Purpose/Artist Statement - a written statement outlining your interest in graduate or post-baccalaureate study (500-700 words). Please note that applicants are asked to submit two copies of their statements/essays: one uploaded to Slideroom with the portfolio of artwork (see 6. Portfolio of Artwork) and one submitted in hardcopy with the application form.
4. Three (3) letters of recommendation/reference
5. Proof of Degree or Equivalent - send transcripts from ALL post-secondary schools attended.
6. Portfolio of Artwork - A portfolio of artwork must be submitted online via mica.slideroom.com. You will find additional information about mica.slideroom.com as well as specific portfolio requirements for graduate programs by following the program links on the left side of this page. If you apply to more than one program, you must submit a separate portfolio for each program: please make sure that each portfolio meets to requirements for the program to which you are applying. Visit mica.slideroom.com for uploading instructions.
7. $60 application fee - please make all checks (which must be in US dollars drawn on US banks) and money orders payable to Maryland Institute College of Art. For wire transfer information, please download our Wire Transfer Instructions document.
All materials must be clearly labeled with name, address, and telephone number. Maryland Institute College of Art assumes no responsibility for loss of or damage to portfolio materials.
Additional Requirements for International Applicants
1. Proof of English language proficiency.
If your native language is not English you must demonstrate proof of English language proficiency to gain full admission. MICA requires a score result on The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of at least 550 PBT (paper based test), or equivalent 213 CBT (computer-based test), or 80 IBT (internet based test). MICA also accepts a band score of at least 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). MICA's institution code is 5399.
2. Certified translations of all documents.
Diplomas, transcripts, financial statements, and letters of recommendation must be submitted with certified English translations.
3. VISA Requirements and Procedures.
Instructions and forms required to receive a Form I-20 AB or to transfer a VISA sponsorship to MICA, can be found at Information for International Applicants: VISA Requirements and Procedures.
Application Deadlines
Master of Arts Programs
MA in Art Education: summer entrance - January 15
MA in Community Arts: summer entrance - January 15
MA in Teaching (MAT): fall entrance - January 15
Master of Fine Arts Programs
MFA in Graphic Design: fall entrance - January 15
Hoffberger School of Painting: fall entrance - January 15
Mount Royal School of Art: fall entrance - January 15
MFA in Photographic & Electronic Media: fall entrance - January 15
Rinehart School of Sculpture: fall entrance - January 15
MFA in Studio Art: summer entrance - January 15
Certificate Programs
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Fine Arts: fall entrance - January 15; spring entrance - Ocboter 1
Admission notifications are mailed according to the entrance dates:
Fall entrance - April 1
Spring entrance - December 1
Summer entrance - April 1
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