Early College Credit Program
The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design participates in the Early College Credit Program (ECCP) offered through the State of Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction. MIAD’s freshmen level studio courses are open to high school students on a space available basis.
MIAD offers ECCP in the fall and spring semesters only. ECCP is not offered in summer. Students interested in taking summer courses should register for MIAD’s Summer Pre-College Program.
ECCP CLASSES
Early College Credit Program students can select from the following classes. Find more information, including a description of the classes offered, on our FYE Courses page.
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FYE100: Systems of Drawing
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FYE110: Visual Language: Composition, Color & Content
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FYE130: Fabrication, Light & Content
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FYE121: RPC Research, Process & Connection
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FYE150: Digital 2D – Laptop Required
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FYE151: Digital 4D – Laptop Required
Review the MIAD Laptop Purchase Guide here. Please reach out to Kelly Wendorf, Admissions Office Manager & Event Coordinator, if you have any questions about acquiring a laptop for classes.
ECCP Admissions Process
Although there is no standard formula for determining an applicant’s potential for success, we believe the evaluation of the visual artist needs to be sensitive and personal. Therefore, admission to the studio classes is based on a variety of criteria:
- Proficiency in the visual arts as demonstrated by the portfolio.
The portfolio review is given the most weight in the admissions decision as it is the most meaningful indicator of artistic potential and ability. - Academic achievement as shown on official high school transcripts.
MIAD requires a cumulative 2.70 grade point average to be eligible for ECCP classes. - Personal interview with an Admissions Counselor.
The interview allows you to verbally present your artistic experiences and aspirations and is the best time to present your portfolio.
MIAD ECCP Application Procedures
To be considered for admissions you must complete and/or submit the following to MIAD’s Admissions Office:
- Completed ECCP Application.
- Official high school transcripts sent to MIAD directly from your high school.
- Portfolio review of original artwork and interview with an Admissions counselor.
Your portfolio should contain approximately 15 examples of your best and most recent work. You should select works which demonstrate the depth and breadth of your art experiences, and which highlight your ideas and conceptual ability as well as your technical skills. Your portfolio may include drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, design work, etc. You should include samples of work from observation, rather than from your imagination or copied from photographs.
Department of Public Instruction’s Requirements
You must notify the school board of the school district in which you are enrolled of your intention to participate in the program. An Early College Credit Program Plan and Report issued by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction will need to be completed.
Download the ECCP Information. (updated October 2022)
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News
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Funds from the annual Grilled Cheese Grant helped Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) awardees Siren Harris, Yo Yo collective and Madi Weglarz complete their 2025 Senior Exhibition projects and future work. All the MIAD awardees are Fine Art + New Studio Practice seniors.
Sebastian Penn: Senior Exhibition 2025
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McKenna Martin: Senior Exhibition 2025
McKenna Martin ’25 (Product Design), “Hyacinth.” McKenna received first place for her design for the 2023 Delta design project/competition at MIAD, is on the Dean’s List and is from Fond du Lac, Wis.
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MIAD seniors Rita Jennings ’25 (Fine Art + New Studio Practice), Noah Teague ’25 (Communication Design) and Fabian Rico Sanchez ’25 (Product Design) explore empathy, connection and innovation through their capstone projects.
Tamar Cawthra: Senior Exhibition 2025
Tamar Cawthra ’25 (Illustration), “A Haunting in Vicksburg.” Tamar is a President’s (Honor) List student from Howell, Mich.