a community of ideas.

Liberal Studies at MIAD serves as the bridge between the studio and the world, between the classroom and the community. This is where students of all disciplines share common ground. Over one-third of the curriculum is based in academic study, and we pride ourselves on offering an intellectually rigorous, highly creative student-centered program. We believe artists and designers need to master verbal language, as much as visual, and Liberal Studies provides the insight to express vision intellectually and artistically.

The goal of Liberal Studies is to transform students into lifelong learners, and further the ability to communicate. Thoughts are matured and solidified through dialogue, opinions are mashed, ideas are fused. Questions become the root of creation. In a typical academic environment questions are framed for students; at MIAD, we position our students to ask questions and seek answers. We foster leadership through Liberal Studies by giving students responsibility to shape their own inquiry.

Our writing program challenges critical and analytical thinking abilities, and prepares our students to write professionally, confidently, and creatively. We ask our students to actively investigate art history, to visit museums, to construct art historical contexts for their own work, and the works of others. Our natural science courses teach the role of humanity in the environment and emphasize the impact we have on the world. Furthermore, MIAD has a unique community service component, which stresses the important societal role one plays in the contemporary world.

With twenty-four thousand volumes, career books, reference materials and media, plus current art and design periodicals, MIAD’s library serves as an important companion to the liberal arts and studio experience. Through a network of local private colleges, students have access to over half a million additional library volumes. Additionally, online image and research databases augment these resources to give students a broad understanding the visual arts, humanities and sciences. A dedicated Learning Commons within the library provides peer tutoring, access to learning specialists, and assistance with research and study skills. Liberal Studies encourages higher, more complex levels of understanding through collaborative discourse. Art and design aren’t quiet pursuits – as creators we reflect a shared experience. We want our students to be vital, active members of their culture and community. We want our students to connect.

We want to hear their voices.