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Admission Requirements

Hoffberger School of Painting (MFA)

Since its founding in 1965, the Hoffberger School of Painting has had a clear and singular focus - engaging a select group of highly talented painters through an intensive process of discovering and giving expressive form to their individual voices. The program's emphasis in primarily focused on preparation for careers as seriously exhibiting artists and college/university faculty.

Who Should Apply

A high level of competence in and commitment to painting is required for admission to the Hoffberger School of Painting. Enrollment is limited to 14 students who intend to pursue a career in art and who have already developed considerable proficiency in their media. Along with a thorough knowledge of the discipline of painting, the program places emphasis on the development of originality, clarity, and studio discipline that will continue into the student's professional career.

Students considering applying to the Hoffber School of Painting may also want to consider MICA's other MFA programs that include artists working in a two-dimensional format: the Mount Royal School of Art and the Low-Residency MFA in Studio Art.

See Also Programs of Study: Hoffberger School of Painting

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 Hoffberger School of Painting (MFA)

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 are asked to submit a written statement (500-700 words) discussing your work and outlining your 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.
6. Portfolio of Artwork

Applicants should submit 18-20 digital images for review online via mica.slideroom.com. Slide Room allows applicants to create an inventory of pieces and attach the following information: title, date, medium, dimensions and notes. Applicants may upload images (jpg) or .pdf documents. For good image quality and fast upload, images should be sized no larger than 1280 x 1280 px @ 72dpi. 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.