Students, staff & faculty can login to access personalized content.

Parent & Guardian Access is located here.

Forgot your password?

Admission Requirements

Curatorial Practice (MFA)

Curators play a key role in the creation of a vibrant cultural life in a global society. The next generation of curators will need to forge their own career path and think outside of traditional exhibition venues and engage and invite audiences into a meaningful relationship with art and artists by creating relevant, timely, and accessible exhibitions.


Who Should Apply

Curatorial Practice (MFA) is designed to serve practitioners who wish to combine the rigors of an intensive liberal arts education with an active hands-on methodology. The program's curriculum and philosophy are focused on creating new models of exhibition design, amplifying the voice of the artist in society, and forging cogent and powerful connections among art, artists and community. Candidates for this degree will be expected to pursue a curatorial practice that emphasizes the creation of transformative exhibitions and a purposeful synergy between artist and audience. They will examine their own practice as an artistic, social, and critical pursuit.

Applicants to the Curatorial Practice (MFA) might also consider the Community Arts (MFA) program, which focuses on community-based arts programs and development.

See Also Programs of Study: Curatorial Practice (MFA)

Application Requirements and Procedures for Curatorial Practice (MFA)

Priority Application Deadline for Fall 2013 Entrance: January 15, 2013.

Applications received after January 15 will be considered through April 1, provided space remains available.

1. Graduate Admission Application Form: Completed and Submitted Online via mica.slideroom.com
2. Curriculum Vitae/Resume
3. Curatorial Practice (MFA) Written Requirements

A. Statement of Intent - In 500-700 words, applicants to the Curatorial Practice (MFA) should write a statement of intent describing their goals, aspirations and objectives for their studies in the program.

B. Preparation Essay - In 500-700 words, applicants to the Curatorial Practice (MFA) should write an essay documenting their preparation for and/or collaborative experiences with curatorial practice and audience engagement. Include reflections, assessment and application of outcomes to the field.

C. Writing Samples - (optional) Applicants to the Curatorial Practice (MFA) may submit previously written/published writing samples if available. Writing samples may include: envisioned and/or realized curatorial proposals, published articles, critical reviews and curator statements. Applicants should also submit hardcopy samples of relevant publications such as brochures, catalogs and/or gallery guides if available.
4. Three (3) Letters of Recommendation

Recommendations are submitted online via SlideRoom.
5. Proof of Degree or Equivalent

Please send transcripts from ALL post-secondary intituations attended. Submit transcripts in sealed, institution-issued envelopes to the Office of Graduate Admission.
6. Curatorial Practice (MFA) Portfolio Requirement

All portfolio materials are submitted online at mica.slideroom.com. Applicants to the Curatorial Practice (MFA) should submit 18-20 digital images or time-based media for review. The portfolio may include: documentation of studio practice, curatorial projects and/or community-based work. Applicants are encouraged, where relevant, to use the notes section of mica.slideroom.com to describe each portfolio item's relevance to the planned course of study in curatorial practice.

Additional submission and technical information can be found on SlideRoom.
7. $70 Application Fee

Payable online via credit card during the application submission stage.
8. Additional Requirements for International Applicants

A. 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. Note: International applicants who have received a 2, 3 or 4-year degree or diploma from an English-language institution are not required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score. A transcript from the English-language institution will be accepted in lieu of a TOEFL or IELTS score.


B. Certified translations of all documents.

Diplomas, transcripts, financial statements, and letters of recommendation must be submitted with certified English translations.