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I am trying to do some research on several art schools, and decided to start off with this pair. I have several others schools on my list, but I'll start off with these. Any help will be appreciated.

1) Which is better for Photography and Graphic Design?

2) Which allows more opportunities for studying and working outside your major? (esp. in the area of digital media)

3) Which allows more collaborative, inter-disciplinary work?

4) Which is better overall?

Thanks.

By Socaldad (Socaldad) on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 06:25 pm: Edit

My son graduated from MICA three years ago. While he was there, I had the pleasure of serving on the Parents' Council. I'm a big fan of MICA, but RISD is also a great school.

My first and foremost piece of advice is to visit the schools you are interested in, look at the work that people are doing, spend a day when classes are in session, meet some students, sit in on a foundation class, see how the school feels to you.

MICA has great opportunities for inter-disciplinary work and some very interesting work in Digitial Media as art. I'm guessing that the Media Arts program has evolved continuously into a very, very exciting program.

Historically, RISD was stronger and deeper in Graphic Design than MICA, with MICA constantly working to improve its practical programs, RISD trying to match MICA's improving reputation in painting and fine art.

Trying to answer your specific questions, I'd say RISD for 1, MICA for 2 and 3, up to an individual for 4.

By Sac (Sac) on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 06:46 pm: Edit

I know what RISD stands for. But what and where is MICA? Thanks.

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 07:56 pm: Edit

Yes, inquiring minds want to know. Maryland Institute and College of Art maybe?

By Crumbledsugar (Crumbledsugar) on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 04:34 pm: Edit

MICA (md inst. college of art) is the best! As opposed to RISD, it's much more focused on undergrads. They also just built a great new graphic design building.

By Taxguy (Taxguy) on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 - 03:34 pm: Edit

I also have been researching this, and here is my opinion:

1. First, I live in Maryland where MICA is. MICA has a superlative reputation in the fine arts in Maryland and nationwide. Certainly in the top 4 art programs, if you ask any art teacher. I think that MICA might be number one now over RISD in Fine Arts.

2.RISD however has the greater national reputation and is reputed to be stronger in Graphics. RISD also has somewhat of a campus, while MICA is primarily a city school.

3. MICA has a slightly better student teacher ratio and generally has smaller classes.

4. RISD tends to stick students in cubbyholes. If you elect a major, it is hard to change compared to MICA. MICA tends to be very interdisciplinary in its approaches. Its digitial programs, as noted above, is doing some very exciting things, and MICA emphasizes this.

RISD however has the largest endowment amoung that of any stand alone art school; thus, they certainly have the ability to catch up or surpass MICA

5. MICA for some reason will not exempt you from any courses such as general education courses regardless of AP exam credit. They feel that their general education courses are run very differently. You can place out of a course but you must take a more advanced course to replace it. RISD does accept AP credit; and thus, you can reduce your gen ed requirements.

6. RISD has a true 5 year program in graphic arts culminating in BGA. MICA programs are generally only 4 years ( with the possible exception of industrial design), although I am not certain here. MICA, however, does have a combined 5 year program that will give you both a BFA in a field and a MFA in education. This is a major attraction for many students alone, plus they have a great placement record for its students

Bottom line: you won't go wrong with either school. However, each school has its own idiosyncracies. Check them out.