Students in this program become both artmakers and scholars. While pursuing intensive study in the history of art, design, and visual culture, students also train as artists and designers, taking the majority of their coursework in studio areas-a defining advantage that allows them to analyse the process of art production as a component of their research.
MICA offers both an undergraduate major in history of art, design, and visual culture and a minor in art history. MICA's curriculum balances academic coursework and independent research with a significant studio component. Almost half of the total credits required for the major are in studio coursework, and majors are strongly encouraged to use their studio electives to pursue a concentration in a studio discipline.
In the four-year program, approximately half of a student's coursework is in academics and the other half is in the studio. The intensive studio practice integral to the BFA in History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture at MICA strengthens students' own artmaking and informs their studies and research in art history with a deeper understanding of the art-making process.
Students in this major can take advantage of a rigorous liberal arts curriculum that offers the most diverse array of history courses at an art college, and more course offerings than many university-based art history programs.
September 2025
Maryland Institute College of Art
1300 West Mount Royal Avenue,
BALTIMORE,
Maryland,
21217, United States
Applicants must provide the equivalent of a high school qualification. English language proficiency: MICA requires a minimum TOEFL score of 75 (MyBest scores are accepted), an IELTS score of 6.0, or a PTE score of 58. Application deadlines: For Spring - Nov 1 and for fall – Feb 1.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
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