Round 1 Deadline: January 19 // Round 2 Deadline: March 19. For more information about deadlines and timelines, visit the Apply page.
MICA's M.F.A. in Illustration Practice applicants typically have real-world experience, but motivated, professional-minded advanced students are encouraged to apply. Applicants may include experienced illustrators as well as professionals and advanced students from related disciplines including but not limited to design, writing, fine art, animation, film, or digital media.
Candidates transitioning to a career or practice in the illustration field may also want to review our Illustration (M.A.) graduate program.
Application Requirements & Procedures for the M.F.A. in Illustration Practice
1. Graduate Admission Application Form: completed and submitted online via mica.slideroom.com
2. Curriculum Vitae/Resume
3. M.F.A. in Illustration Practice Written Requirements
Applicants should submit a written statement (no longer than 500 words) that includes:
- A discussion of your artwork that outlines your interest in graduate study.
- A discussion of how your materials used and personal experiences will translate into an illustration practice.
- How do you see yourself fitting into the future of illustration?
- A description of a project that would utilize your talents as a visual communicator and engage your thinking about illustration practice in new ways.
4. Two (2) Letters of Reference
Recommendations are submitted online via mica.slideroom.com.
5. Proof of Degree or Equivalent
Digital transcripts from the last degree-granting institution attended can be uploaded to SlideRoom. Official transcripts are not required for the initial review process, however, the Graduate Review Committee may request additional or official documentation before decision notification.
6. M.F.A. in Illustration Practice Portfolio Requirement
The Illustration Practice faculty require 20 images. Video & audio files count as a single 'image.'
Please note that most reviews are conducted on laptop screens. Do not submit image quilts that make each image too small to view. Avoid putting the image in a page layout unless the page layout is very important or your portfolio is design-centric.
The faculty recommends selecting work that you feel to be your strongest as opposed to a large variety. Both 2D and 3D work is acceptable but not required. Samples of works-in-progress or process imagery are acceptable but should be very limited.
Have a trusted mentor or colleague look over your choices before submission. If you maintain a website, please make sure the URL has been entered on the application. Illustration Practice faculty will visit your site to see more of your work and to learn more about how you are using the web and social media.
7. $75 Application Fee
Payable via credit card during the application submission stage online.
8. Additional Requirements for International Applicants
International candidates whose primary language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken English. Additionally, certified translations of all letters of reference, transcripts and school documentation must be provided. For additional information on international applicant requirements, please visit Information for International Graduate Applicants.