Baltimore,
MD,
United States
Type
Private
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
MA in Illustration in Baltimore United States | Maryland Institute College of Art
Maryland Institute College of Art
|
Baltimore United States
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Masters Degree
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD
54,750
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
12 months
MICA's Master of Arts in Illustration is a rigorous one-year program designed for aspiring illustrators and those looking to enhance their current practice.
This intensive program immerses students in the illustration field, emphasizing studio work and professional development to help build an impressive portfolio, pursue freelance work, or apply to competitive MFA programs, including MICA's own offerings.
The 30-credit MA in Illustration curriculum is structured to cultivate essential skills—including conceptual thinking, observational abilities, and technical craftsmanship—while equipping students with the tools and mindset needed for professional growth or advanced study. Throughout the program, students engage in independent and collaborative work, explore global perspectives through historical research and contemporary practitioners, and broaden their professional capabilities through hands-on making and career development. The program concludes with a capstone project featuring a portfolio, exhibition, and review panel.
The final evaluation involves guest critics, industry professionals, and faculty, where students present a public portfolio talk (to attract commissions and employment opportunities), a written artistic philosophy, a professional website, and an exhibition. Beyond the portfolio, students also develop a digital archive for future professional use, project proposals, or further academic endeavors.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 6.0
Qualification Requirements
We encourage a diverse group of applicants with experience or education in complementary fields who seek tools, abilities, and context in order to pivot and launch successfully into industry positions in a shorter amount of time than an M.F.A. program. Some applicants may seek to gain experience, further develop their portfolio, and undergo appropriate preparation for an application to M.F.A programs further in the future.
Curriculum Vitae/Resume
Statement of Purpose/Artist Statement
Applicants should submit a written statement discussing their artistic background, both professionally and academically, and outlining their interest in postgraduate study and in particular the M.A. in Illustration program at MICA. Applicants should talk about their work and goals in relation to the broader discourse of illustration, explaining what draws them to advanced study in this field. Applicants with backgrounds in different disciplines should address how their previous experiences have prepared them for study in Illustration.
Applicants to the Illustration (M.A.) should submit 15-18 digital images or time-based media for review.
TOEFL: A minimum overall band score of 75 on the iBT Test of English Language as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required to be considered for admission.
IELTS: A minimum score of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required to be considered for admission.
Curriculum Vitae/Resume
Statement of Purpose/Artist Statement
Applicants should submit a written statement discussing their artistic background, both professionally and academically, and outlining their interest in postgraduate study and in particular the M.A. in Illustration program at MICA. Applicants should talk about their work and goals in relation to the broader discourse of illustration, explaining what draws them to advanced study in this field. Applicants with backgrounds in different disciplines should address how their previous experiences have prepared them for study in Illustration.
Applicants to the Illustration (M.A.) should submit 15-18 digital images or time-based media for review.
TOEFL: A minimum overall band score of 75 on the iBT Test of English Language as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required to be considered for admission.
IELTS: A minimum score of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required to be considered for admission.
Tuition
USD
54,750