Student Enrollment in Cross-Divisional and Professional Studio Courses

Effective Term: Summer 2026
Applies To: Full-time matriculated undergraduate, graduate, and (future) post-baccalaureate students

Course Approval Form

This policy establishes consistent guidelines for full-time matriculated students who wish to enroll in courses outside their primary program—specifically in MPS (credit-bearing) or Professional Studio (credit-bearing and noncredit) offerings. The policy is intended to expand student learning opportunities while maintaining compliance with financial aid, credit-load limits, and institutional tuition structures.

Applies to:

• All full-time undergraduate students (12+ credits per term)

• All full-time graduate students (12+ credits per term)

Does not apply to:

• Non-matriculated Continuing Education students

• Audit enrollments

• Courses outside MICA’s academic credit system

 

Policy Overview

Students may enroll in select MPS (credit-bearing) or Professional Studio (credit-bearing and noncredit) courses based on eligibility, space availability, and prior approval. Discounts or tuition adjustments may apply according to the type of course and whether it falls within or beyond the student’s standard credit load.

 

Definitions

• Full-Time Load: 12 credits 

• Degree-Applicable Credit: Coursework that fulfills a requirement or elective within a student’s program, approved in advance.

• Excess Credit: Any course taken beyond the approved full-time credit load.

• Professional Studio Courses: Noncredit or Credit offerings that support professional or post-graduate pathways.

 

Eligibility & Discount Structure

 Undergraduate Students – Credit-Bearing (MPS) Courses

• May enroll in one (1)  approved credit-bearing MPS course that is degree-applicable and pre-approved per fall and spring semester 

• If within the full-time load (≤18 credits total): No additional tuition charge.

• If exceeding full-time load: 25% tuition discount on the additional course.

• Approvals Required: Advisor or Student Academic Success Coach / Dean (as appropriate) and Registrar.

• Enrollment is space-available and must occur during the standard registration window.

 Graduate Students – Credit-Bearing (MPS) Courses

• May enroll in one (1) approved MPS course per fall and spring semester at no additional tuition charge beyond full-time graduate tuition.

• The course must be degree-applicable and pre-approved.

• If exceeding normal load: Standard tuition applies unless otherwise approved.

• Approvals Required:  Advisor or Student Academic Success Coach / Dean (as appropriate) and Registrar.

    Professional Studio Courses

• Open to full-time matriculated undergraduate and graduate students.

• Students may enroll in one (1) approved Professional Studio course per fall,  spring or summer semester at a 50% discounted tuition rate.

• Standard rates apply for all additional courses and for summer/winter sessions.

• All materials and lab fees are billed at full price.

• Approvals Required: Advisor or Student Academic Success Coach / Dean (as appropriate) and Registrar.

 

Approval Process 

1. Student discusses course intent with Advisor or Student Academic Success Coach and completes the Course Approval Form
2. Advisor/Coach works with student to secure approval from Dean or Program Director as appropriate 
3.  Student submits completed form (with signatures) to Registrar’s office (enrollmentservices@mica.edu)
4. Registrar confirms eligibility, tuition adjustment, and enrollment. 
5. Course added to student schedule with appropriate discount applied 

 

Compliance and Records

• Only degree-applicable credits within the full-time load count toward full-time enrollment and federal financial aid eligibility.

• Credits will appear on transcript

• Noncredit Professional Studio courses do not count toward financial aid or degree completion.

• The Registrar’s Office will maintain records of all approvals and discount use.

• Improper or unapproved enrollments are subject to retroactive billing at standard tuition rates.

 

Billing Summary Table

• All current matriculated students receive a 25% discount during the Summer term on credit bearing offerings (MPS or Pro Studio.) Check with your Academic Advisor or Student Academic Success Coach regarding transfer ability of MPS offerings into your degree program.

 

Exceptions and Review

Any exceptions require written approval from the Dean, Registrar, and Provost.
The policy will be reviewed every two years to ensure alignment with institutional practices and financial aid regulations.

Eligible Courses (as of Fall 2026)

MPS in Business for Creatives

• MBCR 5000 Creative Ventures Strategy: 3 credits

• MBCR 5004 Story, Brand, and Voice for Creative Ventures: 3 credits

• MBCR 5008 Brand Strategy and Audience Building: 3 credits

MPS in User Experience Design

• MUXD 5601 User Centered Design: 3 credits

• MUXD 5602 User Research: 3 credits

• MUXD 5603 Interaction Design: 4 credits

MPS in Data Visualization & Communication

• MVIS 5802 Data Literacy & Information Fundamentals: 3 credits

• MVIS 5801: Visual Storytelling & Narrative Frameworks: 3 credits

• MVIS 5804: The Art & Science of Data Visualization: 3 credits

MPS in Product Management

• MPM 5003 Principles of Product Management: 3 credits

• MPM 5005 Design Thinking for Product Innovation: 3 credits

Professional Studio

• CSPD 501 Portrait Lighting Foundations - Available Light: 2 credits
• CSPD 502 Advanced Culinary Photography: 3 credits
• CSPD 503 Generative 3D Assets for Game Design: 3 credits
• CSPD 504 Portrait Lighting - One Light: 1 credit
• CSPD 506 Advanced Digital Imaging Techniques for Professional Photographers: 3 credits
• CSPD 510 Image + Influence: Art Direction for Promotion: 1 credit
• CSPD 515 Portraiture Mastery Foundations: Defining Your Signature Style: 1 credits
• CSPD 517 Intro to Figma: 2 credits
• CSPD 525 Planning and Project Agility for Creative Ventures: 3 credits
• CSPD 526 Creative Ventures Strategy: 3 credits
• CSPD 527 Prototyping for AI: 2 credits
• CSPD 530 Introduction to Online Teaching: 3 credits
• CSPD 528 Navigating Creative Ecosystems for Success: 2 credits
• CSPD 530 Introduction to Online Teaching: 3 credits
• CSPD 540 Sustainable and Ethical Practice for Art and Design: 3 credits
• CSPD 544 Game Development & AI for Educators: 3 credits