The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is entering a bold new era of innovation with the launch of its Bachelor of Design (BDes) in Interior Design, the College’s first new undergraduate degree in more than a decade. The program’s approval by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)—following an initial denial and a successful appeal—represents a significant milestone for both MICA and Maryland’s independent higher education community.

A Moment of Resilience and Renewal

This program launch comes as MICA celebrates its highest first-year enrollment in six years, underscoring the College’s strength, creativity, and momentum. It also signals the power of purpose-driven leadership: MICA’s team demonstrated that its Interior Design program offers something unique in the state—a curriculum centered on creativity, sustainability, and human-centered innovation.

“This moment reflects what MICA does best,” said Cecilia M. McCormick, President of MICA. “We push boundaries, lead with vision, and create pathways that prepare our students not only to make a living, but to make a difference.”

A Distinctive Vision for Design Education

MICA’s new BDes in Interior Design merges aesthetics and function with emerging technologies and material innovation. The program prepares students to design environments that enrich human experience—spaces that inspire connection, equity, and sustainability.

Rooted in design thinking and entrepreneurial spirit, the program expands opportunities for students to translate creative ideas into meaningful impact. Graduates will be ready to lead at the intersection of art, technology, and business, contributing to Maryland’s growing creative economy and beyond.

An Ecosystem for Creative Impact

The Interior Design degree builds upon MICA’s vibrant ecosystem of creative entrepreneurship and innovation, anchored by the Ratcliffe Center for Creative Entrepreneurship (RCCE)—established through a transformative $5 million gift from the Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation.

Through initiatives such as the UP/Start Venture Competition, which has funded more than 60 ventures across 18 majors and distributed over $1 million in seed funding, MICA empowers students and alumni to bring ideas from concept to reality.

This broader innovation ecosystem reflects MICA’s ethos: From ideas to impact, the College connects creativity with real-world change—building partnerships that fuel Baltimore’s creative economy and set a national standard for design-driven education.

Strength Today, Vision for Tomorrow

Strong enrollment, diversified programming, and sustained donor partnerships continue to reinforce MICA’s financial stability and forward momentum. The College’s expanding portfolio of career-aligned programs—including Design & Innovation (BFA), Creative Media Production (BFA), and Business for Creatives (MPS)—supports both student opportunity and Maryland’s growing creative economy.

As MICA prepares for its bicentennial, the College stands as a model for how specialized independent institutions can thrive—advancing innovation, access, and impact through creativity and collaboration.