Wisconsin's premier nonprofit art and design college, fostering creative innovation since 1974.
MIAD offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree across six majors: Communication Design, Fashion and Apparel Design, Fine Art + New Studio Practice, Illustration (with Animation track), Interior Architecture and Design, and Product Design. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on studio work, critical studies, and creative problem-solving through immersive labs. Students benefit from a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio with approximately 100 working artists, designers, and scholars on staff. The college is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Higher Learning Commission.
The main academic building is the Jane Bradley Pettit Building (245,000 sq ft), a renovated historic structure in the vibrant Historic Third Ward arts district. MIAD operates Two50Two student housing and maintains multiple galleries including the Brooks Stevens Gallery of Industrial Design and Frederick Layton Gallery. The campus features fully equipped labs, studios, and the Lubar Innovation Center connecting students with real-world clients. Campus security is provided 24/7, with eight full-time officers and locked residence hall access. Food service and student support services are available on campus.
MIAD commits to making art and design education accessible, with every full-time student receiving a merit scholarship. Applicants must submit a portfolio demonstrating artistic ability and potential. The college encourages completion of the FAFSA for financial aid eligibility. Transfer students are welcome, and the college offers non-degree continuing education programs including open figure drawing and educator workshops. Early College Credit and AICAD Exchange programs are available.
Career Services provides comprehensive support from first year through graduation and beyond, including resume development, interview preparation, networking with professionals and alumni, and guidance on self-employment and freelancing. Resources include the Handshake job platform, career counseling, and professional development planning. MIAD graduates pursue careers as graphic designers, illustrators, fashion designers, interior architects, product designers, and entrepreneurs, with strong placement in creative industries.