Tips and FAQs

Q: For admission, BIC requires three samples of work. What exactly does that mean?

A: As a branding program, BIC considers the application a bit of a branding exercise. Submit work that reveals your ability to connect the dots, think strategically, and write compellingly. Choose work that tells the story of who you are and shows off the skills you'll be contributing to the program. If you've worked on an impressive group project in college or on the job, include that -- BUT also include a written case study of your project with its strategic goals, your role, and the measurement of its success. If you want to tell your story in a digital format, include a link to your online work. But again, don't just upload the project; tell us about that project through captions, an intro page, whatever helps position your work.

Those applying to the Creative specialization must also submit a spec portfolio of two print campaigns (three ads each). You may include other creative work that you've done such as logo or editorial design, a blog, or creative short story; exhibiting work in an online platform that shows off all aspects of your creative side is great. However, this would be in addition to the two print campaigns and not in place of that. We're looking for a candidate's ability to think conceptually and to be able to carry through executionally. We also expect some proficiency in design software (we hold those interested in art direction to a higher standard than copywriters). To see student work that shines, visit www.cmykmag.com which features great student advertising campaigns. 
 

Q: BIC is a Master of Professional Studies. What is an MPS? 

A: As an industry-related degree which is more application than research driven, an MPS is a terminal degree such as an MBA (Master of Business Administration) and MFA (Master of Fine Arts), often used for interdisciplinary studies. BIC's professional orientation makes it more aligned with the MPS. Most of BIC's coursework is at least partly applied and will lead to direct employment in a professional field. For students working in the industry while studying at BIC, the MPS is more likely to be eligible for tuition reimbursement than an MA or MS. 
 

Q: How much does a BIC degree cost?

A: BIC is a pre-professional master's degree and costs more than other CCNY graduate programs. If you're a full-time student and NY state resident, the tuition for the 2-year degree is just under $26,000.For non-residents, that cost is just under $33,000. Some courses also carry lab and material fees which will increase the total cost of the degree by around $500. Visit Bursar for up to date info on Tuition and Fees.
 

Q: Does BIC offer financial assistance?

A: There are a few BIC scholarships available to students who enroll. Please see the Scholarship section of this site for more information. There's also a list of external discipline specific scholarships in the Scholarship section. However, the Office of Graduate Admissions is truly the best resource for financial aid. 
 

Q: Are there special admissions requirements and/or academic restrictions for foreign students?

A: There is a language proficiency test (TOEFL) required for admissions as well as other administrative details (visa, etc.) that foreign students need to consider. However, the BIC Program does not handle these aspects of your admissions or enrollment. Please contact the Graduate Office of Admissions for further information.
 

Q: Does BIC offer a part-time option?

A: Not really. BIC is a 2-year, 36 credit full-time graduate degree program. Students move through the program as a cohort, starting with shared foundational courses, moving to specialization depth, and then finishing up with two collaborative capstones. Each year, BIC will make space for two or three outstanding candidates who wish to get their MPS as part-time students in three years. Student must indicate this choice when they apply. 
 

Q: When do classes meet?

A: Full-time students take three courses a semester. Each course meets once a week in the evening. BIC courses run in the fall and spring semesters; there are currently no classes in the summer.
 

Q: Are internships available?

A: Some students may choose to take an internship for credit; these non-paying, credit bearing internships count as electives and are usually done in the fall and spring semesters in lieu of taking a course. Only one internship may be taken for credit. Most students, however, prefer to take paid internships over the summer. These are more competitive and do not count toward the degree. BIC provides contacts, opportunities, and support for internships, but does not do actual placement - that's up to the students. 
 

Q: What types of jobs do BIC grads get?

A: Coursework in BIC will prepare you for many positions in the communications industry, such as management, planning, and public relations positions both within an agency environment or in a corporation. Our creative track prepares students to become art directors and copywriters in either traditional or digital agencies. Some students enter BIC with strong professional skills that they'd like to enhance to remain competitive or leverage into leadership positions. Some students are interested in opening up their own agencies or becoming entrepreneurs. Others are interested in trying out an entirely new field and hope to use their MPS in BIC to gain entry into the communications industry. Still others are interested in learning the skills of branding in order to strengthen their existing business or professional skill set. Because all students must develop and defend a portfolio in order to graduate, all grads will have credentials beyond a diploma that show evidence of their value in the marketplace. 
 

Q: What if I can't decide on a single track? Can I pick more than one?

A: For admissions purposes, you need to apply into a single track. However, once you're in the program, the other track courses are available for students to take as electives. Therefore, all the courses are open to BIC students.

 

Last Updated: 04/04/2019 15:25