About the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
Acknowledged nationally as a premier leader in art and design education, the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is deliberately cultivating a new generation of artist—one that is capable of seamlessly integrating innovation, entrepreneurship, and creative citizenship with contemporary approaches to art, design, and media. MICA is redefining the role of the artists and designers as creative, solutions-oriented makers and thinkers who will drive social, cultural, and economic advancement for our future. Celebrating 200 years, MICA is the oldest continuously degree-granting college of art and design in the nation, founded in 1826. A top producer of nationally and internationally recognized artists and designers, MICA is deeply connected to the community and a leading contributor to the creative economy.
Teach For America Applicant Benefits:
What MICA offers TFA corps members and alumni
We recognize what you’ve given, and we want to make the path forward as accessible as possible.
- Application fee waiver for all qualifying graduate programs
- Tuition scholarship of 25–35% for MFA and MA residential programs
- Personalized guidance from our admissions team, who understand the TFA timeline
- Flexible enrollment and deferral options designed to align with corps commitments
To access these benefits, include your TFA Corps Verification Letter with your application.
Programs:
Master of Arts in Social Design 1 year, full-time, in-person
MICA’s MA in Social Design — the first degree of its kind in the nation — is built for people who believe the world can be redesigned to be more equitable and just. You’ll develop frameworks for addressing equity, power, race, and privilege through human-centered design methods, and join a network of alumni pioneering change in public, nonprofit, and academic fields. Corps members who spent two years confronting systemic inequity in schools often find this program is the natural next chapter.
Master of Arts in Curatorial Practice 2 years, full-time, in-person
The MA in Curatorial Practice prepares students to shape how art is experienced, interpreted, and shared with the public. Combining critical theory with hands-on exhibition-making, the program explores the role of curators in advancing cultural dialogue and expanding access to the arts. Students work closely with artists, institutions, and communities to develop exhibitions and public programs that reflect diverse perspectives and contemporary concerns.
Master of Fine Arts in Community Arts 2 years, full-time, in-person *(on hiatus 2026-27)*
If your corps experience deepened your belief in the power of community — and in art as a tool for civic life — the MFA in Community Arts may be your program. You’ll learn to use artmaking as a means of youth development, activism, education, and community organizing, integrating independent creative practice with real-world community-based projects.
Master of Arts in Teaching (Art Education) 2 years, full-time, in-person
For corps members who found their calling in the classroom and want to deepen their practice, MICA’s nationally recognized MAT program prepares art education professionals who bring personal artistry into the work of teaching. Through immersive experiences in PreK–12 classrooms across the Baltimore region, you’ll develop as both an artist and an educator.
How to Apply for Admission:
MFA and MA applicants are required to submit an online application, which includes a resume/CV, written requirement, letters of reference, transcripts, and a portfolio. Please view the links below for specific program requirements.
Ready to take the next step?
- Contact our graduate admissions team via email at graduate@mica.edu
- Learn more about all of our graduate programs www.mica.edu/gradprograms
- Schedule a conversation with an admission counselor www.mica.edu/gradconnect
- Website
- mica.edu/gradprograms
- graduate@mica.edu