Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) continues to set the standard for cutting-edge art and design education by launching the following new graduate programs in Fall 2012: M.P.S. in Information Visualization; and M.A. in Critical Studies.

MPS in Information Visualization
MICA's new Master in Professional Studies (MPS) program in Information Visualization, the first such program of its kind offered by an art and design college, prepares students from a variety of fields to translate their existing skills into the visualization industry and related areas. Providing strong emphasis on the development of visual literacy, visual thinking, and the creative aspects of delivering information, this new MPS program has been created for artists and designers as well as professionals working in fields where the management of complex data through visualization is essential—including architecture, urban planning, homeland security, health, social networking, business, and more. A mix of short residencies at MICA and online study allows the program to meet the needs of working professionals. Over the course of the program, students develop technical, conceptual and design competencies in the broad area of information visualization, enabling them to advance their current career or open up new career opportunities. For more information on this 14-month, 30-credit program visit: www.mica.edu/infovis 

MA in Critical Studies
The Master of Arts in Critical Studies program provides artists and designers with an in-depth grounding in critical writing and analysis. This new program allows students of all backgrounds to expand their knowledge and theoretical vocabulary as they are guided in the production of cutting-edge criticism for both popular and scholarly venues. A dedicated faculty of scholar-teacher-practitioners who are established in their professional fields lead students through a topical practicum series, collaborative and individual projects, intensive research, and specialized seminars in visual art, design, literature, philosophy, film studies, and performance—all of which are complemented by a graduate colloquium with some of the most exciting thinkers and creative practitioners as invited speakers. MA candidates gain a deep understanding of theory along with valuable skills in research, writing, and analysis, and graduates go on to be creative professionals, art critics, and journalists, or to pursue additional graduate study in the humanities, fine arts, and design. For more information on this one-year, 30-credit program visit: www.mica.edu/criticalstudies

Ranked among the top 4 of 220 graduate schools of art and design by U.S. News and World Report, MICA also offers MFA, MA, and MPS programs in painting, sculpture, curatorial practice, graphic design, illustration, art education, business, community arts, curatorial practice, multi-disciplinary fine arts, photographic and electronic media, social design, and a low-residency studio art program, as well as post-baccalaureate certificates in fine arts and graphic design.

MICA will host its annual Graduate Open House on Sunday, November 13, 2011.  For more information and to register online, visit www.mica.edu/gradopenhouse.

To learn more about MICA's graduate programs and admission requirements and to request additional information, visit www.mica.edu/gradadmission.