Academics

mica classes, even the basic ones, don't mess around. the standard is five classes a semester, usually two academics and three studios, or one academic and four studios (which i've been doing). you will have something due each week for each class and it's not uncommon to have critiques every week in a class - i had a class with sketches due one week and the final due the next, consistently, so we critiqued either sketches or final pieces each and every week. the academics are intense, too, so try to get into a subject you will be interested in, because you will have heavy reading each week. honestly, by the end of your time here, if you haven't improved immensely, it's because you weren't working. you can't work this much and not improve!

MICA does have a great academic program which definitely caters to every mind of every single artist at the school. I appreciate how the teachers let the students incorporate their art into projects, essays and presentations, because it helps as artists, especially to grow professionally.

The classes for your first year are amazing not much choice in what you take because it is foundation year but the work load is good and the challenges are even better to develop skills and your imagination/creativity. (if you do not like your teacher for your class you may switch classes at MICA which is a very good thing, not all students will click with the teacher picked for them)

The academic classes are actually quite relaxed. Most of our energy is focused on our rigorous studio classes, so our academic classes expect the best out of us but dont burden us down with work. We usually have 2 or 3 papers to do for an academic class.

Sometimes it really depends on the class, but most of the time you will be challenged.

I've never actually taken classes at MICA, so I'm going off of what I've seen. From what I've seen/heard, MICA encourages competition, but doesn't work you to the bone. It seems to get more intense the month before finals.

The school is very tough but if you are absolutely sure that you want to have a career in the art world then you will do fine at MICA. Just remember that you have to work hard and earn your grade. It is not a easy process but all of the professors push you to develop your best work.