Frequently Asked Questions

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What are the tuition and costs at MCAD?

To see the most up-to-date tuitionand associated costs of attendance, please visit the admissions section.

 

Do students get jobs after graduation?

Yes, most students work in their chosen fields after graduation. The core-four curriculum and Career Services at MCAD help students develop professional skills, network with employers, and find open positions. Careers in the arts mean different things to different people. Some students work as independent artists and subsidize their income from a job outside the arts. Many MCAD alumni start their own businesses. Others work for advertising companies, design firms, interactive agencies, large corporations, or a variety of other organizations. Learn more about the paths that MCAD graduates have taken.

What if I know I want to be an artist, but don't want to limit myself by getting an art degree?

We'll give you what you need to succeed as a visual artist. If you're not sure you want to eat, sleep, and breathe art, then don't go to art school.

What is winter in Minnesota like?

Yes, it gets cold and snows in Minnesota in the winter, but many students from milder climates learn to like winter. The weather is no reason to stay inside all of the time. Student Life and Activities provides a number of opportunities for students to get outside and enjoy the winter.

What is a portfolio?

A portfolio is a documented body of artwork you have produced and is required for admission to many of the academic programs at MCAD. Requirements differ depending on the program to which you are applying, but, in general, 12–20 images of your work are required. Learn more about specific program requirements.

Do you have housing?

Yes, MCAD has co-ed, on-campus apartments located within easy walking distance to classes. Housing is available for 275 students on average. Students have the option to live in the MCAD apartments or off campus in an apartment. Learn more about the MCAD apartments.

What if I am interested in taking classes that MCAD doesn't offer, for example in a foreign language?

MCAD has a partnership with Macalester College for students interested in specific courses not offered by MCAD. Courses at Macalester may be limited based on schedule, availability, and prerequisites.

Does MCAD offer study abroad options?

Yes, there are a number of study abroad options for students studying different media areas. We also participate in AICAD’s mobility program. Learn more about study abroad and off-campus US study programs.

Are the instructors and professors working professionals?

Yes, all of our studio instructors are working professional artists or designers as well as passionate and skilled teachers. Learn more about our faculty.

What is the difference between a BFA and a BSc degree?

The bachelor of fine arts (BFA) is an undergraduate studio degree. 2/3 of the classes are spent learning and creating things such as fine art pieces, websites, designs, etc. The remaining 1/3 of the classes are in traditional liberal arts (writing, research, humanities). The BFA curriculum is rooted by Core Four—fundamental courses that are structured to enrich each student's professional development over four years.

The bachelor of science (BSc) is an undergraduate degree that comprises 2/3 communications, liberal arts, and business courses, and 1/3 studio courses. Students’ interests, goals, and strengths dictate which program is a better fit. The BSc curriculum integrates three critical dimensions of creative communication: creative management courses, studio courses, and liberal studies courses.

What are the minimal GPA and ACT/SAT scores required for admission to undergraduate programs?

Because MCAD looks at the complete application package, we do not have minimal GPA or standardized test scores. Nonetheless, we are a selective college. The median ACT composite score for enrolled students is 23 and the median high school GPA is 3.2.

Does MCAD have any low-residency programs?

Yes, MCAD offers a post-baccalaureate certificate in graphic design in a low-residency format, in addition to two online programs: The post-baccalaureate certificate in interactive design and marketing and the master of arts in sustainable design.

What is the four-year graduation rate for undergraduate students at MCAD?

The overall graduation rate for students who began their studies in Fall 2003 was 73 percent.

How is MCAD different than a liberal arts college?

There are many similarities between MCAD and most liberal arts colleges, but the main difference is that MCAD students apply knowledge to make or create objects (typically visual). The process of learning, making, and critiquing are at the heart of the MCAD learning experience. The MCAD learning experience is a combination of theoretical learning, applied learning, and professional skills development.

Do you have fashion design or interior design?

No, we currently do not offer areas of study in fashion design or interior design. Please visit AICAD for information on similar art and design colleges that may offer these areas of study.

What are MCAD’s accreditations and why are these important?

MCAD is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). This means that MCAD is accredited as both an academic institution and a visual arts college. We are the only private college in Minnesota with this level of accreditation and this ensures that students who attend MCAD receive the highest quality education possible.