Maryland College of the Arts The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA for short), founded in 1826, was the first art college in the United States to officially award degrees. MICA is one of the oldest art schools in the United States and the oldest art school to award degrees. It is a member of AICAD (Association of Independent Art and Design Colleges), and also a member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

The Maryland College of the Arts campus covers an area of 12 acres and is located in Baltimore, the largest coastal city in Maryland. MICA provides student dormitories. At present, there are 1855 full-time students in the school, including 1627 undergraduate students and 228 graduate students, respectively from 48 states and 53 overseas countries. The teacher is composed of 291 professional artists, designers, poets, writers and art historians. The ratio of teachers and students is about 1:6.4. There are more than 10000 alumni in 58 countries around the world. And Not the same university.

The Maryland Academy of Arts is one of the oldest art schools on the list in the United States. The campus has more than 20 buildings, including two new modern buildings built in 2004 and the autumn of 2008, and two national historic buildings built for more than 100 years. MICA campus is located in the cultural area of midtown in Baltimore, close to Baltimore Railway Station, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Concert Hall, Baltimore Opera Theater and the famous Pipadi Conservatory in the United States. It is only 2.4 kilometers away from the city center. There is a light rail station on the campus, convenient transportation and good life experience.

Postgraduate advantage art major:

Illustration, film, animation design. The Master of Graphic Design of US News ranked the third in the United States; Master of Painting/Oil Painting ranking 5th; Sculpture and photography are also advantageous disciplines, especially Illustration Design for Postgraduate Students of Maryland College of Arts It is on a par with the New York Institute of Visual Arts. Students who want to apply for art courses should note that most art courses require portfolio, and each major will have its own detailed requirements. If the language condition is not very good, you can still get an offer if your portfolio is excellent!

The art graduate school of American News and World Report ranked 4th

Maryland Academy of Arts Ranking:

The Maryland Academy of Arts has been certified by the Ministry of Education of China.

The Maryland Academy of Arts ranks seventh in the list of the best art schools in the United States.

QS World University ranked 38th in art and design discipline in 2022;

QS World University ranked 33rd in art and design discipline in 2023;

US News ranked third in the national master of graphic design;

US News ranks third in illustration, film and animation design in China;

One year tuition fee for studying abroad:

Maryland College of the Arts has a four-year undergraduate program and a two-year graduate program. MICA tuition is calculated by semester, and the part exceeding 19.5 credits will be paid by 1820 dollars/credits. (The tuition fees for undergraduate and graduate students are the same)

Undergraduate tuition: $51870/year, postgraduate: $51870/year

It will cost about 1.5 million yuan to apply for undergraduate courses (accommodation and other expenses), and about 1 million yuan to apply for graduate students (accommodation and other expenses included). Public colleges will charge lower fees.

MICA Scholarship:

The Maryland Academy of Arts provides competitive scholarship to undergraduate students (including freshmen and transfer students). This kind of scholarship is Merit based scholarship, which mainly rewards students with artistic attainments or talents.

The Maryland Academy of Arts provides Merit based scholarships to transfer students, with the amount of $1000 - $26000, mainly based on the quality of the work submitted by students and the GPA of the recent courses taken by the university.

Recommended by American art schools ： San Francisco Art Institute ， California Academy of Arts 。

Maryland College of the Arts:

Maryland College of the Arts has undergraduate majors including art history, ceramics, drawing, experimental animation, graphic design, illustration, interactive media, photography, printmaking and video. In addition, there are also postgraduate majors including graphic design, painting, sculpture, art education, social art, art, etc.

Maryland College of the Arts Undergraduate major:

Animation, architectural design, art history, art theory and art review, ceramics, sketch, fiber, game design, pure art, graphic design, illustration, interactive art, interdisciplinary sculpture, painting, photography, print, product design;

MICA Postgraduate Major:

Community art, illustration practice, photography and electronic media, graphic design, painting, sculpture, commercial art and design, information visualization, social design, curatorial practice, film production, UX design;

animation

The animation major of Maryland Academy of Arts is committed to helping students cultivate their dreams under the guidance and support of experienced animation producers. When students improve their skills for professional training, they also develop their own ideas. The balance between craftsmanship and new technology, combined with performance, story telling and critical thinking, can enable students to improve their horizons and participate in today's global art institutions as reliable artists. MICA also strongly promotes the cross international field of animation and develops cooperation with Europe and Asia.

Architectural design

The discipline of architectural design has always been multifaceted. The considerations of space, society and culture constrain each project. History, technology and society have become the scope of consideration in the design of buildings, public places and installations. The curriculum arrangement of the architectural design department of MICA revolves around three themes: learning spatialization and formalization through materials and dimensions; Learning society and culture through ideographic and metaphorical expressions; Learn professional operation through investigation, expansion and practice. These three topics are the focus of each year's study.

Art History, Art Theory and Art Review

MICA not only provides undergraduate majors in art history, art theory and art review, but also provides minor majors in art history. As one of the top art design colleges in China, this major provides a unique opportunity for students who want to obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in art history. Art historians focus on studying the history of creation. In MICA, students of art history focus on studio practice and are also part of an active group of artists and designers. The knowledge provided by MICA in art history is of high quality and expensive, which can not be compared with many top liberal arts and science colleges. MICA's art history course balances academic assignments and independent research with the participation of excellent studios. Almost half of the credits required for majors depend on studio course assignments, and students majoring in art history will also be strongly encouraged to use studio elective courses to achieve centralized learning in this subject.

ceramics

MICA's ceramics major provides unique courses and ensures a highly concentrated learning atmosphere. It is committed to developing students' personality by participating in ceramics as a medium for experiments and investigations. Under the framework of innovative and complex thinking, ceramic courses can help students develop skills. Students can participate in traditional and current ceramic media, and also be active in critical research. Immersed in this rich knowledge environment, the students learned about contemporary art and culture, as well as about themselves. By learning ceramic art, they understand and explore the diversity of ceramic art in art and industrial art. A person's confidence in developing his own ideas is a key motivation, which will stimulate people to complete this meaningful work in various ways. Students come to school with their strong beliefs to learn from each other and visit artists.

Sketch

MICA promises to make students reach the highest level of sketch. In this regard, sketch is the foundation of all majors and the resource of advanced elective courses. Students who choose to major in sketch can conduct profound and extensive research on this course. Learning sketch also means learning how to recognize the characteristics of the visual form of objects and the space they occupy. In order to clearly express the view of objects, the cooperation between eyes and hands must be carefully coordinated. The key project of sketch major is the middle level studio course. In addition to photography, environmental design and graphic design majors, students of all majors should take human body sketch and studio courses. Students have 14 elective courses, some of which are open to any major with a studio, while others are only open to oil painting, printmaking and sketch, encouraging students to develop and pursue their own visual views. Students majoring in sketch will also take advanced independent courses together with students majoring in oil painting, sketch, printmaking and general art.

fibre

The fiber specialty emphasizes the identification and inspection of textile structure, the physical characteristics of soft and flexible plane performance, and the application of fiber. The inherent possibility of fiber has a long and rich history as a medium of fine arts and industrial arts, and the technological development of media is regarded by fiber specialty as the starting point of experiment and development. The fiber specialty not only involves the understanding and production of fiber products themselves, but also involves the role and relationship with other media and materials; The fiber major also requires students to have critical writing ability, not only focusing on fiber, but also on issues in the contemporary art world. Students will learn conventional and unconventional processes, including dyeing, sewing, screen printing, knitting, intelligent textile, three-dimensional operation, flexible structure, collage, assembly and sculpture surface.

Game Design

In game design, students will explore games as creative practices that can entertain, educate and create social change. Students will work in teams and open laboratories, learn to make games from prototype to finished products, and focus on the following fields: game design, narrative, programming, art production, animation, sound, etc. Students will acquire outstanding technical and conceptual skills to lay the foundation for career in the field of game design.

pure art

Artists hope to establish an independent major covering all the courses of MICA Fine Arts Department for students, and pure art may be an ideal major. In the pure art major, students explore various art courses to develop their artistic talents and abilities, so as to comprehensively apply the resources provided by the school. Because the degree plan is open, students can carefully plan their courses to complete personal direction research, which can be interdisciplinary, theme centered, or cross media or multimedia construction. This project is characterized by flexibility and a focus on inter disciplinary linkages, which is in line with the latest insights on the artificial traditional boundaries between disciplines and the media. Another advantage of pure art majors is that you can access some shared resources - equipment, faculty and courses.

Graphic Artist Designer

MICA's graphic design courses are divided into three years in sequence around the core design courses. Students should decide which major to major in Graphic Design in the spring semester of the first academic year. The core course starts in sophomore year, and students need to take two matching courses in typesetting and graphic design. Junior and senior students should continue to take core courses in order, and have the opportunity to take advanced elective courses in graphic design and other studio disciplines. The Department of Graphic Design encourages students of this major to participate in the elective courses of the Department of Arts.

Community Art

Master of Arts in Community Art provides community art as a basic or cooperative activity, which is an integral part of students' individual art creation practice. The Master of Community Arts combines skills, knowledge, ability and concentrated creative practice to enable students to understand and determine their own artistic aesthetics, engage in individual and collective art research, and develop new art forms. Both in theory and practice, the Master of Community Arts takes social justice as the basic principle.

Illustration Practice

The graduate program of illustration practice enables artists to improve their artistic and commercial capabilities, integrate media with new cultural backgrounds, and combine research and critical analysis into their work. Art graduate students will be encouraged to discover new directions of 21st century practice and actively participate in project activities. This centralized learning plan helps students to examine their own creation process and use of materials, so as to awaken their own abilities and plan their own courses. When entrepreneurs become their customers, they can establish partnerships and networks. This learning plan is to find new things to enter a new market while maintaining the existing practice mode of illustration. Through writing and research, students' ability to communicate and promote ideas will be greatly improved.

Photography and electronic media

The photography and electronic media specialty of MICA is a platform for exploring the social and artistic usability of optical and electronic media technology. Its curriculum and purpose are to lay the foundation for art practice in strict historical and critical exploration; It enables students to realize that art learning projects cover complex technologies and provide intellectual and technical skills for professional practice and teaching. The central idea of the photography and electronic media course plan is to explore and extend the sustainability of photography (all forms), while recognizing that optical media are challenged by computer images, animation, data visualization, virtualization, or the combination of science, medicine, or experimental technology. At this level, it is important to combine creative practice with cultural, scientific, critical and historical conversations, and encourage and develop broader theoretical and reflective practices.

Graphic Artist Designer

Graphic Design, Maryland College of Arts It is an interdisciplinary and cross media major rooted in art. Design is a public form of art, which integrates commercial, political, social, technical and cultural systems. The university encourages graduate students of master of arts to regard themselves as creators of culture and actively launch various projects. The graphic design course plan provides excellent students and designers with the ability and knowledge to succeed in the competition at home and abroad, and to contribute to the public design speech.

painting

Hofberg School of Painting aims to help students find their own uniqueness and help them show their discoveries in art. Hofberg is a major painting research institute, which is to create a field of art on two-dimensional surfaces. Through frequent comments, discussions, conversations with leaders, invited artists and visiting artists, and visits to major art centers, students found more ways to express their personal forms.

carving

The major of sculpture at Reinhart College aims to train artists who are now and will enter the 21st century, and also ensure that students can understand the meaning implied in the artist's works. The 10 student associations of Reinhardt College work with many media, from performances and videos to traditional metal and stone, and students will be assigned to a personal studio. The studio is in a common work area, which has a fully equipped wood and metal store. In this shared space, the studio is open, In this way, students can naturally and smoothly exchange ideas and interact. In this safe environment, students can create and turn ideas into reality.

Commercial Art and Design

The postgraduate study of commercial art and design provides a comprehensive and highly concentrated educational opportunity for artists, designers and other related majors in business management. Creative products and services are fundamental to these creative majors even though there is no commercial degree specially designed for these special needs up to now. This innovative postgraduate course meets the needs of students to acquire knowledge and skills, which is necessary for the creation, continuation and development of a business related art design major, or this course can enable students to become an active and innovative business manager. Through online guidance and short learning in MICA, students will be exposed to many areas of business management, including accounting, finance, marketing, and even more.

Information visualization

As the global demand for visual communication increases, the demand for designers with creative talents, intelligence and skills has played a crucial role in the market. The uniqueness of the graduate program of information visualization at Maryland College is that it uses both left and right brains - combining the understanding of science, technology, industry and information/data analysis with the design concept and practice. Since this degree is mainly completed on the network, it is an ideal choice for professionals working in various places in China, In the compact 14 month project, students received core training in principle, method and tool use to create excellent visual design and convey a powerful and exciting story. Three and a half days of campus life provided important experience for students to meet, cooperate and establish potential student networks, Students recognize and understand the complexity of innovative visual communication using information and data. MICA teachers are professionals in the field, so students can learn knowledge from work experience and get answers to their questions. Once this course plan is completed, graduate students can not only obtain degrees, but also obtain documents of research and analysis projects, as well as well-designed visual works.

Social Design

The social design major explores the role and responsibility of designers in society, challenges the traditional way of thinking, forms new inter agency cooperation, and uses design and design processes to trigger social change. This course provides a people-oriented, experiential, creative and optimistic way to understand and respond to social challenges.

curatorial practice

The major of Curatorial Practice allows students to take a responsible approach to create a lively cultural life in the global society in the 21st century. The purpose of this major is to establish links between art, artists and communities, so that students can explore new ways of exhibition, think beyond the traditional model, and create relevant, timely and easy to visit exhibitions for the audience.

Film production

Students majoring in film production will learn all aspects of film production and welcome new practices in the field of transformation at this moment. Through practice oriented courses and unique cooperation with Johns Hopkins University, this major will provide students with a sustainable career. Students will gain experience in film history and technology, and can make films in the film industry after graduation.

UX Design

Students majoring in UX design can master the basic principles of interface design, project management, prototyping and usability in practical applications. Industry partners will bring real projects to the classroom, so that students can accumulate contacts, practice, and understand the dynamics of the industry. Graduates can gain sufficient experience to start their careers.

undergraduate

Undergraduate admission requirements of Maryland Academy of Arts:

closing date

Early application: December 15; General: February 1

Application requirements

Language requirements: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 80; SAT or ACT (not required)

You need to submit transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, language scores, portfolios, writing samples, personal statements and letters of recommendation online. When applying for art study abroad, you need to fill in your previous activities, interests, honors, immigration information and financial certificates.

graduate student

Postgraduate admission requirements of Maryland Academy of Arts:

closing date

January 15th

Application requirements

Language requirements: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 80; GRE or GMAT

You need to submit transcripts, GRE or GMAT scores, language scores, portfolios, resumes, personal statements and letters of recommendation online. When applying for art study abroad, you need to fill in the activities, interests, honors, immigration information and financial certificates you have participated in.

undergraduate

Maryland College of the Arts undergraduate portfolio requirements:

The collection of overseas art works should show the interest and expertise of the applicant, including 12 to 20 pictures of works, which should be submitted through SLIDEROOM.

graduate student

Maryland College of the Arts graduate portfolio requirements:

1. Community art

Writing requirements: submit an article about the applicant's qualifications and development goals as a community artist.

Collection requirements: The applicant is required to submit two collections of art study abroad: A Collection of Visual Arts 10-20 digital pictures to show your ability as a visual artist. B. Community art collection, 10-20 pictures, recording their education, career or volunteer experience in the community. Write a description. If there is no such picture, you can use other materials instead.

2. Curatorial practice

Writing requirements: a statement of intent, 800-1000 words, describing the applicant's preliminary preparations and personal goals. The College encourages applicants to submit writing samples, such as curatorial proposals, exhibition reviews, etc., which need to be uploaded in PDF format.

Requirements for curatorial practical works collection: the art overseas works collection should contain 10 to 15 digital images or modern media works. It can include studio practice, curatorial projects or documentaries, and notes need to be filled in.

3. Film production

Writing requirements: applicants need to submit a 500 to 800 word personal statement stating their interests and goals. It also needs to include the following contents: the plot outline of a five minute silent film, the dialogue scene between two people, and the concept of describing a script you want to make (within 500 words).

Requirements for film production works collection: works collection should be selected from the same category to maintain coherence. The content should include one or more of the following:

A. Video/movie: upload up to 10 videos via SLIDEROOM or VIMEO, with a single length of no more than 15 minutes and a total length of no more than 40 minutes. If there is a single video of more than 15 minutes, you can attach a summary video (no more than 2 minutes). The role of the applicant needs to be explained. No restrictions on style and form.

B. Visual arts: up to 10 pieces, which can be photography, painting, costume design, illustration, etc. Don't do jigsaw puzzles or upload pictures in PDF format.

C. Writing: Up to 10 writing samples, including script, critical writing, film theory, narrative or non fiction writing, are uploaded in PDF format.

4. Graphic design

Writing requirements: purpose/designer statement - describe your background, interests and goals.

Graphic design collection requirements: submit a visual art collection through SLIDEROOM, which should contain 18-20 digital images or modern media works.

Maryland Academy of Arts Application Guide:

1. The school environment and hardware equipment are quite novel, which can be called a quite comfortable learning environment. There are computer classrooms and multimedia equipment classrooms open 24 hours. In addition to photography and electronic media systems, each graduate student of other pure arts departments is allocated a personal studio that can be used 24 hours a day (very large space, about 9 floors), The photography and electronic media system is also allocated to some individual studios, and each person is allocated a MAC for use.

2. The school has heard that online course selection has only been implemented since 2008, which is very convenient in terms of personal experience; Of course, the registration fee can also be paid by online electronic check. In addition, it is worth mentioning that the school also recognizes that several nearby universities include the credits of the famous JOHNS HOPKINS and PEABODY INSTITUTE, so it can choose courses across schools according to individual needs.

3. MICA is a school focusing on pure art. There are not many departments in the field of design. The university department only has graphic design and environmental design, and the research institute only has graphic design. Therefore, compared with pure art, there must be less resources. Even so, MICA's graphic design is quite famous in the United States. Then, one of MICA's MFA graduation conditions includes THESIS SHOW (paper exhibition), which is just a joint exhibition. It is not necessary to hold a solo exhibition. Then, it is necessary to cooperate with a creative autobiography, and make a PRESENTATION (similar to an oral exam) to the judges and guests on one day of the exhibition to publish your creative ideas.

4. Teachers of the school are composed of professional artists, designers, poets, writers and outstanding scholars. Teachers often participate in exhibitions all over the country or abroad, and win numerous awards. The level of teachers is quite high. It is worth mentioning that MICA's theoretical course intensity is quite famous in ART SCHOOL in the United States, and the lecturers generally have doctoral degrees from famous American schools, which is relatively rare in general ART SCHOOL. In terms of curriculum planning, the STUDIO course of the school attaches great importance to CRITIQUE, and the theoretical course is very solid. WRITING plays a very important role. Therefore, the school has a special WRITING CENTER to help students with writing problems. Unlike the general ART SCHOOL, which pays more attention to skills than theories, MICA pays equal attention to skills and theories.

5. There are many resources available in the employment guidance center of the school. In addition, MICA is one of the top schools in the country. It is quite easy to find a job in any state or city after graduation, and there are many internship opportunities outside the school. In addition, the school holds an employment fair every year.