Application Procedures for the M.A. in Biodesign
1. GradCAS Application Form
MICA uses GradCAS, a centralized graduate application platform, to collect and manage applications. When you select the link below, you will be asked to create a GradCAS account or sign in before selecting your MICA program and beginning your application.
2. Resume
Candidates are asked to submit a professional resume of no more than 2 pages detailing professional and volunteer experience, education—including degree programs and continuing studies—and relevant creative, technical, research, laboratory, fabrication, or collaborative experience.
Prior experience in biology or laboratory practice is not required.
3. Statement of Purpose
- Applicants should submit a written statement of no more than 500 words that addresses:
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How your previous creative, educational, professional, or research experiences have prepared you for interdisciplinary graduate study in Biodesign
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The biological systems, materials, questions, or challenges you are interested in exploring
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How you hope to connect creative practice with scientific methods or emerging biotechnologies
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Your goals for graduate study and how the M.A. in Biodesign relates to your future creative or professional direction
Applicants are not expected to arrive with a fully developed Biodesign practice or research proposal. The statement should help the review committee understand your interests, curiosity, and readiness to work across creative and scientific disciplines.
4. Two (2) Letters of Reference
Applicants should provide two letters of reference from individuals who can speak to their preparation for graduate study, creative or intellectual curiosity, ability to collaborate, and capacity to work across disciplines.
5. Proof of Degree or Equivalent
Digital transcripts from the last degree-granting institution can be uploaded to GradCAS. Official transcripts are not required for the initial review process; however, the Graduate Review Committee may request additional or official documentation before decision notification.
6. Optional Portfolio of Artwork
A portfolio is optional but strongly encouraged. Applicants may submit approximately 8–12 examples that demonstrate their creative practice, research interests, technical abilities, experimentation, or approach to interdisciplinary problem-solving.
Submissions may include artwork, design projects, material experiments, research, scientific or technical work, writing, documentation of collaborative projects, process work, or other relevant creative and intellectual activity. Prior Biodesign or laboratory work is not required.
Applicants may upload images, PDFs, video, links, or other digital documentation as appropriate. Each submission should include a brief caption identifying the work, the applicant’s role, the methods or materials used, and any relevant context. For collaborative projects, applicants should clearly describe their individual contribution.
7. $75Application Fee
Payable via credit card during the online application submission process.
8. Additional Requirements for International Applicants
International candidates whose primary language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken English. Additionally, certified translations of all letters of reference, transcripts and school documentation must be provided. For additional information on international applicant requirements, please visit Information for International Graduate Applicants.