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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 MCAD is a vital national leader in fine arts, design, entrepreneurship, and sustainability education. Through degree programs, continuing education courses, exhibitions, and several other community programs and events, MCAD transforms the world through creativity and purpose. MCAD's mission, vision, and values guide the college's daily decision-making and inform the relationships between staff, faculty, students, alumni, and the Twin Cities community. MCAD's student body includes more than 750 students from 29 states and 12 countries. Of these, 50% are enrolled in design, 25% in media arts and 25% in fine arts, 64% identify as women, 30% identify as men, and 6% identify as nonbinary, and the average student is 21 years old. MCAD's 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. The modernist Main Building is one of the only buildings in the United States designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Kenzo Tange. The historical Julia Morrison Memorial Building is more than a century old. While at MCAD, students have 24/7 access to facilities. Class sizes are kept small to ensure that every student receives individualized attention and instruction. MCAD's unique approach to education stresses the importance of learning through making. MCAD students are taught creative literacy, critical thinking, artistic technique, design thinking, and critical entrepreneurial skills. They are taught to combine creativity and their developing skills with their unique sense of purpose. We believe they can create meaning in their lives, rather than having meaning created for them. The college is also dedicated to providing innovative programming that uses current digital technologies and design processes. MCAD offers state-of-the-art animation and media facilities. We utilize 3D printing technology beginning in the foundation year. We have spaces that allow students to explore entrepreneurship ideas within spaces that encourage collaboration and work with outside clients. MCAD values also extend beyond the border of the campus and into the broader community. From our teaching artist and engaged and public arts minors to grant-funded community engagement programs, MCAD students can be found providing free arts programming for kids transitioning out of homelessness, working with deaf Muslim students, creating murals across Minneapolis, and even designing better visual systems for voting. MCAD students make an impact through socially engaged work locally, nationally, and internationally. Creative literacy, problem-solving, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to innovation: these are at the core of MCAD's art and design education. Collectively, they demonstrate the real value of MCAD's art and design education. The Minneapolis College of Art and Design educates individuals to be professional artists and designers, pioneering thinkers, creative leaders, and engaged global citizens. The Minneapolis College of Art and Design transforms the world through creativity and purpose. At MCAD, you'll find endless opportunities to learn and create with confidence. From academic advising to career development to disability accommodations to international student advising, you will find support and guidance throughout your time at MCAD and even after you graduate. All of our facilities are stocked with the latest and greatest in current technology. Whether you want to work with metal, wood, plastic, fabric, ink, film, or whatever you have lying around, you are provided with the ideal environments and tools for making. Plus, night owls rejoice: you get 24/7 access. Classes and homework are crucial aspects of being a college student, but what happens outside of the classroom is just as important. For many students, college represents their first taste of independent living, often in a new city or country. At MCAD, we ensure your adjustment to college life is a smooth one. This real-world work experience allows you to earn credits, boost your resume, and sometimes even stamp your passport. An internship is an academic learning experience where you work under the mentorship of an experienced professional. Working on-site, you perform real-world projects while learning about your chosen industry, enhancing your skills, networking, and building your portfolio. MCAD enjoys a diverse student body, with approximately 800 students from 29 states and 12 countries. International students come to MCAD because we are a highly ranked institution in one of the nation's most creative cities. MCAD strongly values and promotes diversity on campus as it is necessary for developing creative thinking. Diversity allows us to view things—everything from homework assignments to social justice issues—from others' perspectives. Your faculty advisor assists you in planning an academic path appropriate to your degree and personal goals. Your advisor can help you choose an appropriate course schedule and load and make sure you are meeting all program requirements, as well as help you find minors and off-campus study programs that align with your ambitions. View full university