BALTIMORE, MD — For 200 years, the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) has provided students with a renowned art and design education. Today, a MICA education is within reach for creative leaders who want flexible, accessible education taught by industry leaders. The MICA School of Creative and Professional Studies (SCPS) offers advanced degree programs and professional education and workforce development courses, providing students with the opportunity to advance their education without leaving their employment. Enrollment is now open for fall courses and programs, with deadlines approaching.
"We want to give creative professionals opportunities to grow and adapt throughout their careers," said Doug Barkey, dean of the School of Creative and Professional Studies. "Our graduate programs are very applied, with an emphasis on building the business, communication, and technical skills students need to move into new fields or prepare for leadership."
Online Graduate Degree Programs
MICA online graduate programs run for 18 months to allow students to balance work, life, and advanced education. Students complete a capstone project and graduate with a job-ready portfolio.
The five programs for fall include:
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Business for Creatives Master of Professional Studies (MPS): Created for artists, designers, and creatives who want the leadership and strategic skills of a business degree. Students choose a specialization track and work through two venture labs to move ideas from concept to tested prototype to launch-ready business plan and portfolio.
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Data Visualization and Communication MPS: Teaches how to represent information and data in a visual and impactful way through graphics, images, and interactive features. Students graduate knowing how to apply qualitative and quantitative analysis, storytelling, and design strategies to data and information.
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Product Management MPS: Prepares students to lead a full product lifecycle from concept to launch using design thinking. This program is a design-centered alternative to MBA-style product management. Students can deepen their education with tracks in brand and luxury management, entrepreneurship and venture, and creative leadership and strategy.
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User Experience Design MPS: Intersects art and technology, teaching the design, project management, prototyping, and usability for gaming in such diverse fields as healthcare, education, and defense.
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Graphic Design Master of Arts (MA Online): Designed for deep engagement with the language, theory, and practice of graphic design, whether students are advancing a professional career or preparing for competitive MFA programs.
Starting in spring 2027, MICA will launch the first cohort of the new MPS in Game Design. This program serves designers, educators, developers, and storytellers who are ready to advance in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
MICA Professional Studio Courses
Through The Professional Studio, MICA offers courses for every creative path. Areas of study include user experience design and product design, photography, game design, creative entrepreneurship, and education. Learn from industry experts, practicing in their fields, while engaging with other creative designers in the class. The Professional Studio courses start in August 2026 and October 2026.
For more information about MICA’s online graduate programs and professional education courses, visit mica.edu/admissions/
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Founded in 1826 and celebrating 200 years, the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is a premier epicenter of art and design education and the nation's oldest continuous degree-granting college of art and design. Based in Baltimore, MICA is entering its third century with renewed purpose and a deep commitment to its city and the wider world. MICA delivers an education that combines a rigorous fine arts foundation with design, liberal arts, and real-world experience — preparing students to apply art and design to real-world challenges. Through creative entrepreneurship, professional practice, and community and industry partnerships, MICA graduates build sustainable careers, launch ventures, and contribute meaningfully to the creative economy.
For more information, visit mica.edu. To learn more about MICA's Bicentennial, visit mica.edu/200.