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Admission Requirements

Graphic Design (MFA)

Design is a public form of art that engages commercial, political, social, technological, and cultural systems. MFA students are encouraged to view themselves as cultural producers who actively initiate projects. The program provides advanced students and qualified designers with skills and knowledge to successfully compete nationally and internationally and to contribute to the public discourse of design.

Who Should Apply

Students in the MFA in Graphic Design seek to contribute substantial new projects and ideas to the field of visual communication. They are engagin the cultural, social, technological and aestheic issues that are transforming today's media and information industries.

Selected from an international pool of applications, the students in MICA's MFA in Graphic Design include experienced designers who are seeking to reinvigorate their careers, as well as professionals and advanced students from related disciplines, such as digital media, photography, journalism and the fine arts. Students work in various media, including print, animation, Web design, product development and environmental design.

Those considering the MFA in Graphic Design may also want to consider the MFA in Photographic and Electronic Media, which also encourages exploration into the history and cultural implication of media, in a fine arts context.

See Also Programs of Study: MFA in Graphic Design

2010 Graduate Pre-Application Online Portfolio Reviews

Each fall, the Office of Graduate Admission hosts Pre-Application Online Portfolio Reviews to allow potential applicants to upload their art & design for pre-review by graduate faculty. Feedback will be provided by gradaute faculty to help participants refine and prepare their portoflios for application review. For more information, and to participate, visit the 2010 Graduate Pre-Application Online Portfolio Review page.

Application Requirements and Procedures for the MFA in Graphic Design

Application Deadline for Fall 2011 Entrance: January 15th, 2011

 

1. Completed, signed and dated Graduate Admission Application form.
2. Curriculum Vitae/Resume
3. Statement of Purpose / Artist Statement

NOTE: All applicants are asked to submit two copies of their statements/essays; one uploaded to Slide Room with the portfolio of artwork (see 6. Portfolio of Artwork) and one submitted in hard copy with the application form.

Applicants should submit a written statement discussing their artwork and outlining their interest in graduate or post-baccalaureate study.
4. Three (3) Letters of Recommendation

Recommendations may be submitted online via mica.slideroom.com or in sealed, signed envelopes with the application form.
5. Proof of Degree or Equivalent

Send transcripts from ALL post secondary schools attended. Transcripts should be submitted in sealed, institution-issued envelopes with the application form.
6. Portfolio of Artwork

A portfolio of visual work is required from all applicants to the MFA in Graphic 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. For good image quality and fast upload, images should be sized no larger than 1280 x 1280 px @ 72dpi. Video files must be kept under 20MB. Our Slide Room portal offers additional instructions for submitting work online.

For applicants to multiple graduate programs, please repeat the upload process for each program.

Any difficulty viewing or using mica.slideroom.com can be reported to support@slideroom.com for technical support.
7. $60 Application Fee

Make all checks (which must be in U.S. dollars drawn from U.S. banks) and money orders payable to Maryland Institute College of Art. For credit card payments, telephone the Office of Student Accounts at 410.225-2356. For wire transfer information, please download our Wire Transfer Instructions document.
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 four year degree 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.

C. 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.