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Admission Requirements

Social Design (MA)

There is a growing interest and understanding in the world of design related to the designer's role and responsibility in society, specifically the belief that social change can happen through design. MA students are encouraged to play a vital role in positively impacting our world through collaborative, hands-on opportunities supporting a range of community-defined objectives. The program provides advanced students and qualified designers with the tools and experiences to develop their own voices as socially responsible designers and prepares them to assume leadership roles in the profession.

Who Should Apply

Students in the MA in Social Design believe that design can create positive change in the world, possess a professional level of design skills and knowledge, are prepared for an immersive, hands-on experience and are able to work collaboratively with different disciplines, knowledge bases, and points of view.

MICA's MA in Social Design applicants have typically worked or studied in a creative field, including, but not limited to, graphic design, architecture, photography, journalism, public health and fine arts. Students work in various media, including print, animation, Web design, product development and environmental design.

See Also Programs of Study: Social Design (MA)

Application Requirements for Applicants to Social Design (MA)

Application Deadline for Fall 2012 Entrance: January 15th, 2012

Applications received after January 15th will be considered until April 1st if space is available.


1. Graduate Admission Application Form: Completed and Submitted Online via mica.slideroom.com
2. Curriculum Vitae/Resume
3. Social Design (MA) Written Statement

Applicants should submit a written statement discussing their artwork and outlining their interest in graduate study. The statement should also specifically discuss experiences that led them to want to be part of MICA's MA in Social Design program.
4. Three (3) Letters of Recommendation

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

Send transcripts for ALL post-secondary schools attended in sealed, institution-issued envelopes to the Office of Graduate Admission.
6. Portfolio for Social Design (MA)

A portfolio of visual work is required from all applicants to the MA in Social Design. This portfolio may consist of professional and/or student design work, or visual work produced in another discipline. A portfolio of writing may also be considered. Applicants should submit 18-20 digital images or time-based work for review online via mica.slideroom.com.

The system allows applicants to create an inventory of pieces and attach the following information: title, date, medium, dimensions and notes. Applicants may upload images (jpg), video (mov, wmv, flv) or .pdf documents. Admission submission guidelines are available at SlideRoom.

Any difficulty viewing or using mica.slideroom.com can be reported to support@slideroom.com for technical support.
7. $70 Application Fee

Payable via credit card during the application submission stage online.
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.