MCAD Overview

Since 1886, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design—a private, nonprofit four-year and postgraduate college—has been the preeminent art and design educator in the region.

Today we are a strong national leader in fine arts, design, entrepreneurial studies, and more. Through degree programs, continuing education courses, exhibitions, and a number of other community programs and events, MCAD transforms the world through creativity and purpose.

Bachelor of Fine Arts & Bachelor of Science

On-campus. 120 credits. Four years. We Make Things & We Make Things Work.

Even though we are a focused visual art college with 14 areas of study, we do more than people think. Students study web design, entrepreneurial studies, photography, product design, filmmaking, animation, project management, comic art, in addition to fine arts and graphic design, and all programs require students to have a solid liberal studies foundation. Students may also minor in 5 different areas including engaged and public arts and teaching artist.

Master of Fine Arts, Visual Studies

Fully on-campus. Sixty credits. Two years. Unlimited Possibilities.

MCAD's master of fine arts in visual studies program is a community of makers, thinkers, theorists, researchers, and creative professionals working in a mentor-based, interdisciplinary environment.

The diverse student body—one with a robust international presence—explores and fulfills social, cultural, and professional needs, as well as entrepreneurial opportunities stretching across art and design practices.

Master of Arts, Sustainable Design (100% Online)

30 credits. 5 semesters (fall and spring). Fully online and asynchronous.

Created for adult students with a variety of academic backgrounds, MCAD’s master of arts in sustainable design is pushing the sustainability envelope with its innovative structure and rigorous coursework.

The program integrates the themes of systems thinking, life cycle analysis, and biomimicry—blending theory, practice, and leadership courses into holistic and hands-on training and experience.

Master of Arts, Graphic and web Design (100% Online)

30 credits. Full or part time. Fully online and asynchronous.

Gain the real-world graphic design and web design skills and experience to build your portfolio and advance your career through MCAD's master of arts in graphic and web design.

• Save the Commute for Your Day Job
• Work and Learn in a Digital Environment
• Smaller Classes = Closer Community
• Launch Your Design Career

Designed for motivated working adults, this program takes place entirely online. Courses cover design principles, typography, research, ideation, web design, programming, workflow management, and more. You can start in fall or spring, and take one or two classes per semester.

Talented graphic and web designers are in high demand. With the strong technical and conceptual skills and experience you develop at MCAD, you'll stand out to creative directors, recruiters, and others in the tech world.

MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES

Our mission, vision, and values guide our daily decision-making and inform the relationships we have with each other, our students, and the Twin Cities community.

STUDENT POPULATION

Our student body includes approximately 800 students from 29 states and 12 countries. Of these, 50% are enrolled in design, 25% in media arts, and 25% in fine arts; 40% are men and 60% are women; and the average student is 21 years old.

CAMPUS

Our three-acre campus, which shares a block with the Minneapolis Institute of Art, comprises classrooms, professional facilities, galleries, student housing complexes, artist studios, and a sculpture garden. Our modernist Main Building is one of the only buildings in the United States designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Kenzo Tange, and our historical Julia Morrison Memorial Building is over a century old.