Accreditation
The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) is a private, non-profit corporation chartered by the State of Wisconsin for the purpose of providing a professional education to students of the visual arts and related design fields. The college offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Communication Design, Fashion and Apparel Design, Illustration, Illustration – Animation track, Industrial Design (Product Design), Interior Architecture and Design and New Studio Practice: Fine Arts.
MIAD is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD), and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), (info@hlcommission.org, 800-621-7440).
The Wisconsin State Approving Agency under Title 38, US Code, approves the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree of MIAD for the training of veterans for federal veterans’ education benefits.
News
MIAD Independent Inquiry Program: Building knowledge, confidence
From a Fine Art major to Illustration, Communication Design and Product Design – first-year student to senior – participants in the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design’s Independent Inquiry Program say they are building both knowledge and self-confidence.
Pallas Textiles winner reflects as 2026 competition to launch
MIAD senior Julianna Frixione ’26 (Product Design) says winning the 2025 Pallas Textiles Student Design Competition will mainly affect her remaining studies at MIAD by “pushing me to continue working hard at the path I’m on.”
MIAD Values Recognition Award: Lisa Floading
Lisa Floading, Coordinator of Tutoring Services, received the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) MIAD Values Recognition Award for November 2025. Lisa received nominations that highlighted her embodiment of MIAD’s Core Values, especially Innovation and Community.
MIAD lands #1 Graphic Design school in Wisconsin 2025
In its 2025 rankings, Animation Career Review named the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) the #1 Graphic Design School in Wisconsin and #11 in the Midwest. The college’s Animation and Illustration programs also received top rankings.
Social Choreography: A practice of dancing toward liberation
Kim Miller, professor of Fine Art + New Studio Practice, returned to the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) following her sabbatical year with a Ph.D. and an innovative presentation and practice for students, faculty and staff.