The first M.F.A. of its kind in the country, MICA's M.F.A. in Curatorial Practice prepares students to expand the role of curators--engaging audiences more effectively by proposing alternative models of exhibition-making, institution-building, and social justice through art.
MICA's M.F.A. in Curatorial Practice offers a hands-on curriculum that balances collaboration and socially engaged practices with academic research in history and theory. By creating real-world collaborative and individual exhibitions, our students raise awareness, bridge societal gaps, and catalyze exchanges across various disciplines, both inside and outside the art world.
Graduates of the program will be cultural leaders committed to working in an interactive, inclusive process, and will emerge with a deep understanding of the complex and evolving role curators can play within cultural institutions, galleries, the art market, and their communities.
Students in this two-year, 60-credit, full-time program will:
Gain a grounding in art history, theory, and criticism, as well as a historical perspective on curatorial practice, including the ethics and politics of the art world
Obtain significant insight into issues relevant to the practice through a stimulating roster of visiting artists, curators, and critics;
Study the process and working methods of exhibition creation, as well as the role and responsibilities of curators
Explore writing skills specific to exhibition practice, including catalog essays and entries, and interpretive materials such as wall text and promotional brochure copy
Collaboratively research, propose, plan, and execute a major exhibition with fellow students during the first year
Conceive and complete a self-directed thesis project during the second year with a partnering venue, organization, or community
Form enduring relationships with artists and the regional arts community through MICA's longstanding partnerships with arts venues, educational institutions, and neighborhood organizations
Expected March 2025
Start date
September 2025
Maryland Institute College of Art
1300 West Mount Royal Avenue,
BALTIMORE,
Maryland,
21217, United States
Students must have a high school diploma, 3-year undergraduate degree, or master’s degree at an accredited institution.
Applicants may choose one option from among the following to demonstrate English language proficiency: TOEFL Test: A minimum overall band score of 75 on the IBT Test of English Language as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required. IELTS Test: A minimum score of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required. Duolingo Tests: A minimum score of 100 is required to be considered for full admission.
Application Deadlines: For Round 1 - January 19 and for Round 2 - March 19. Some programs may continue accepting applications after March 19 on a rolling basis, should space remain available.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.