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Admission Requirements

DESIGN LEADERSHIP (MBA/MA)

Joint Degree Program Offered by Carey Business School at Johns Hopkins University and MICA

The world's business challenges require visionaries that think like tomorrow's leaders, not today's. Learn the creative approach to strategic decision-making embraced by top designers and how to apply it to the most complex management challenges and opportunities for commercial leadership. Earn two degrees at the same time from Johns Hopkins University and Maryland Institute College of Art--recognized globally among the most innovative institutions.

Who Should Apply

The MBA/MA program in Design Leadership enrolls students who want to be transformative business leaders at the highest levels by developing a next-generation approach to management and problem solving. Students' backgrounds include business management, marketing, engineering, finance, art and design, architecture, fine arts, and other fields.

See Also Programs of Study: Design Leadership (MBA/MA)

Application Requirements and Procedures for Design Leadership (MBA/MA)

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
2. Curriculum Vitae/Resume
3. Written Requirements

The Design Leadership (MBA/MA) requires applicants to upload three unique essays through the online application portal.

A. What are your career aspirations and why is the Design Leadership (MBA/MA) the next step in achieving those goals? (500 words)

B. Please answer either essay question B1 or B2. (500 words)

B1. Describe your most significant success or failure. Please include the situation, attributions related to it and what you learned from it.
B2. Describe a time your ethics were challenged. How did you address the situation and what did you learn?

C. Why are you a strong candidate for the Design Leadership (MBA/MA)? What makes this degree a good fit for you? How will you make a unique contribution to the Carey Business School and MICA communities?
4. GMAT or GRE Test Scores

All applicants are required to submit an official GMAT or GRE score prior to enrollment in the program. MICA's institution code for the GRE is 5399 and for the GMAT is P56-6S-26.  NOTE: In certain cases, the review committee may waive the GRE/GMAT requirement. Waiver conditions and the request form can be found in the online application.
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. Letters of Recommendation

Candidates are asked to submit two letters of recommendation through the online application portal for joint review by the Carey Business School and MICA. At least one must be a professional recommendation.
7. Professional Portfolio & Portfolio Narrative (optional)

Applicants to Design Leadership (MBA/MA) may submit an optional portfolio. However, it is not required for admission. For designers, artists and architects, the portfolio may include samples of art and design work. For professionals in other fields, the portfolio can include but is not limited to: marketing or promotional materials, video of business or professional presentations or samples of collaborative design or marketing materials, technical, engineering or architectural images or documentation. A portfolio may include traditional or time-based media (2D or 3D) and/or technical documents that illustrate the applicant's ability to visually communicate ideas and information. Full media guidelines are available online through SlideRoom at the portfolio submission stage. Candidates that choose to submit a portfolio should also submit a Portfolio Narrative which is a second document that provides brief descriptions and context for each sample of media uploaded.
8. $100 application fee, payable online during the final submission stage.
9. Special Requirements for International Students

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 and the Carey Business School require a score result on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of at least 100 IBT (Internet based test). Carey Business School and MICA also accept a band score of at least 7.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The Office of Graduate Admission at MICA will receive and process TOEFL/IELTS score for joint review by MICA and Carey Business School faculty. MICA's institution code is 5399. Non-native English speakers who have earned a masters degree or 3-4 year undergraduate degree from and English-language institution are not required to submit a TOEFL score. The TOEFL requirement cannot be waived for graduates of 1 year degree or certificate programs.

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

C. VISA requirements and procedures
Instructions and forms required to receive a Form I-20 are made available to international candidates after notification of acceptance.