Minneapolis College of Art and Design
Minneapolis, United States • Founded 1886
Overview
Founded in 1886, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a non-profit private specialized higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Minneapolis (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Minnesota.
Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) is a very small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study.
This 138-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
MCAD also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Planning a visit to Minneapolis College of Art and Design or following up with admissions? Location and contact details are listed below. Admissions email typically replies within 5–10 business days during peak season.
Academic Details
The numbers behind Minneapolis College of Art and Design: student body, academic staff, and the recognising bodies validating its work. A baseline read for assessing institutional capacity and rigour.
Programs Offered
Each programme at Minneapolis College of Art and Design is grouped by the degree it leads to. New programmes can take 6–12 months to propagate through search engines, so the live catalogue here is the authoritative list.
Bachelor's Degree
7 programmes
These 7 programmes make up Minneapolis College of Art and Design's undergraduate catalogue. A bachelor's degree is the baseline credential for most graduate careers and advanced study.
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Graphic Communications Media Studies & Mass Media
Woodworking General Engineering
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
4 programmes
Minneapolis College of Art and Design offers 4 programmes at master's level — postgraduate programmes that deepen a specialism, usually over one to two years after a bachelor's degree.
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
2 programmes
This group collects Minneapolis College of Art and Design's 2 programmes of certificates, diplomas, and foundation or associate programmes — practical entry points or stepping stones toward a degree.
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Minneapolis College of Art and Design
How to apply to Minneapolis College of Art and Design — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Minneapolis College of Art and Design's catalogue includes 13 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Minneapolis College of Art and Design's admissions process.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
- 4 Submit your application
Submit your completed application through Minneapolis College of Art and Design's official website at mcad.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (612) 874 3700. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Minneapolis College of Art and Design
Common questions about Minneapolis College of Art and Design answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.
When did Minneapolis College of Art and Design open?
Minneapolis College of Art and Design traces its founding to 1886 (approximately 140 years ago).
What city is Minneapolis College of Art and Design in?
Minneapolis College of Art and Design operates from Minneapolis, United States.
Is Minneapolis College of Art and Design public or private?
Minneapolis College of Art and Design operates as a private institution.
How big is Minneapolis College of Art and Design's student body?
Minneapolis College of Art and Design serves approximately 500-999 students.
Is Minneapolis College of Art and Design officially recognised?
The institution holds recognition from Higher Learning Commission.
What is Minneapolis College of Art and Design's official website?
Minneapolis College of Art and Design's official website is mcad.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Faculty awards and national-leader status concentrate at the top the United States universities. Minneapolis College of Art and Design's faculty distinctions compared to leaders signal where the institution sits in academic networks.
Members of Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD)
Universities affiliated with Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) typically share standards on quality assurance, mobility programmes, and research collaboration. These fellow members are worth knowing if Minneapolis College of Art and Design's affiliation matters to your shortlisting. Cross-membership institutions often facilitate joint events and credit transfer.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
If you're weighing Minneapolis College of Art and Design against other institutions in the area, these neighbouring universities offer overlapping faculties and similar admissions cycles. They are useful for shortlisting based on travel distance or campus environment.
Where Else to Study Visual Arts
Below: institutions across the United States that offer Visual Arts, providing comparison points for Minneapolis College of Art and Design's programme. Variations in elective range, placement support, and credential portability are worth examining carefully.
Universities Often Compared with Minneapolis College of Art and Design
Students considering Minneapolis College of Art and Design frequently compare it against the universities listed below. The comparison set reflects revealed-preference data from how applicants actually build shortlists.
