1. What DEPTH OF STUDY is available in the areas I'm interested in pursuing? How many and what kind of courses are offered? How many faculty teach in each program of study?
2. How FLEXIBLE is the curriculum? Do I have the opportunity to design my own program? Can I combine majors or take courses outside my major area?
3. What kind of REPUTATION does the program have? Is the school respected in the art world and by employers? Is the school known primarily for one or two majors? Are the professors known in their fields? Are programs accredited, and if so, by what organizations?
4. Does the school offer opportunities to STUDY ABROAD? Where? In all majors?
5. What SIZE is the art program? How many people are majoring in the programs I want to pursue? What is the student-faculty ratio in my area of interest? How many students are in most classes?
6. Where do STUDENTS come from? Is it a local or regional school, or does it attract students from across the country? How old are the students? Are they right out of high school or are there many working adults or nontraditional age students?
7. Who is on the FACULTY? What degrees do they hold and from what colleges and universities? What about their experience and professional activities? Have they published recently? In what publications? Where have they exhibited their work? How recently?
8. Does the program feature VISITING ARTISTS OR CRITICS so I can meet practicing professionals and learn the latest theories and techniques? Who are they? How many come each semester? How long do they stay on campus? Do they lecture in an auditorium or do they come into the studios and talk and work with students? Do they just teach a master class, or do they work with beginning students as well?
9. Does the school's LOCATION suit my needs and preferences? Are there opportunities to view great art in museums and art galleries?
10. Is there a CAMPUS? What kinds of FACILITIES are available? This includes both workspace and equipment. Do students have independent studio spaces? How much gallery space is available on campus? What kinds of collections are available in the library?
11. What is the school's commitment to new TECHNOLOGIES? As new technologies become available, how quickly are they integrated into the curriculum? Are computers available in classrooms and in residence halls? How frequently does the college update hardware and software?
12. What type of HOUSING is available—apartment style or dorm rooms? Is there studio space for students? How's the food?
13. Is there an active STUDENT LIFE program on campus? What activities and organizations are available?
14. What level of PROFESSIONAL EXPOSURE is available? Are there exhibition opportunities on campus? Off campus? Do I have to wait until my senior year, or can I exhibit as a freshman? Are there student chapters of professional organizations? Are there opportunities while I'm in school for reality-based coursework, such as designing a web site for a local business or community organization?
15. What kind of CAREER DEVELOPMENT services are offered? Are these services generalized or are programs designed specifically for artists? Do career services begin in the freshman year?
16. Does the program arrange INTERNSHIPS? What kind? With whom? Paid, or for credit?
17. Are ALUMNI of the program working in their chosen field? What kind of entry-level jobs do recent graduates have? Did internships help them?
18. What kind of NETWORKING opportunities are available with faculty, visiting artists, and alumni?
19. Is there a GRADUATE program in art, or just an undergraduate major? Does the presence of a graduate program expand the opportunities for undergraduates to have access to faculty and visiting artists/critics of renown? How are studio resources and faculty divided between the graduate and undergraduate students?
20. How does the APPLICATION PROCESS work? What are the costs for tuition, room, and board? Does the school offer financial aid and merit scholarships?
From: An Artist's Guide to Choosing a CollegeMore Information about MICA's Answers to the "20 Questions to Ask When Choosing a College". [www.mica.edu/20questions]
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