Baltimore, MD — The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) will launch two Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programs in Film & Video and Game Design for fall 2026. The programs are both currently academic minors, and Film & Video is a co-major with the Creative Media Production major. With the elevation to majors, these programs will expand opportunities for students to explore contemporary storytelling, interactive media, and emerging creative technologies. Students will take their courses in the JHU-MICA Film Centre, a collaborative hub for media arts production and experimentation.
The renewed programs reflect MICA’s commitment to preparing artists and designers for evolving creative industries where visual storytelling, digital media, and interactive experiences are increasingly interconnected.
“At MICA, we marry the fundamental creative concepts of art and design with the possibilities of leading edge media technologies. The Film Centre serves as a convergent media hub that pulls together the College’s film, game design, and interactive arts,” said Eric Freedman, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “MICA is building a creative ecosystem that mirrors the industrial ecosystem that students will experience throughout their careers.”
A Collaborative Media Arts Environment
Students enrolled in the Film & Video and Game Design BFAs will study within the Film Centre, a shared media arts facility that brings together filmmakers, game designers, interactive artists, animators, and sound artists. This interdisciplinary environment encourages collaboration across disciplines while giving students access to professional production resources and industry-standard technology.
The facility includes a professional sound stage, screening room, editing suites, sound studios, and equipment ranging from digital cinema cameras to analog filmmaking tools and audio production technology.
Film & Video BFA: Exploring the Moving Image as Art
The Film & Video BFA combines hands-on production training with historical and critical study of the moving image. Students work across fiction, documentary, and experimental media while learning the full filmmaking process, from writing and directing to cinematography, sound design, and editing.
Throughout the program, students develop both a personal creative voice and a strong technical foundation. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and prepares graduates for careers in filmmaking, media production, and video art.
Graduates of the program pursue roles such as cinematographer, director, editor, documentary filmmaker, media artist, and digital video producer.
Game Design BFA: Creative and Technical Game Making
The Game Design BFA provides students with comprehensive training in contemporary game development, blending creative practice with technical production. Through studio-based coursework and collaborative projects, students learn to design games using narrative, visual design, sound, and programming to create immersive interactive experiences.
Students gain experience with game engines, iterative design processes, asset creation, and team-based production workflows that mirror professional game development environments. The program culminates in a portfolio demonstrating both technical proficiency and creative
Graduates are prepared for careers across the game industry and related creative technology fields, including roles such as game designer, technical artist, narrative designer, and systems designer.
Preparing Creative Leaders for Evolving Media Industries
Together, the Film & Video and Game Design programs strengthen MICA’s media arts ecosystem by connecting storytelling, design, and interactive technology. Students benefit from close mentorship by practicing artists and scholars while developing the technical skills and creative vision needed to thrive in rapidly evolving creative industries.
By combining studio practice, collaborative production, and professional preparation, MICA’s newest programs continue the college’s tradition of empowering artists and designers to shape the future of culture and media.
Learn More and Visit MICA
Prospective students interested in the Film & Video BFA and Game Design BFA will have opportunities to learn more about the programs through upcoming admissions events.
- The college will host Destination MICA: Open House on March 7, 2026, where visitors can explore academic programs, tour facilities including the Film Centre, and meet faculty, students, and admissions counselors.
- Additional campus visits, virtual events, and portfolio review opportunities are available throughout the year. To learn more or register for an upcoming event, visit mica.edu/visit.
Students can apply to either program by visiting mica.edu/mediaarts.
Founded in 1826, the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is the nation’s oldest, independent, continuous degree-granting college of art and design. MICA delivers an education that combines a fine arts foundation with the liberal arts and real-world experiences. Through creative entrepreneurship, professional practice, and community and industry partnerships, MICA graduates build sustainable careers and support the creative economy in Baltimore and beyond.