MCA Jobs

Memphis College of Art

Also known as: MCA

3.5 Star
Rate Now!
1930 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
Share this Job Post on LinkedInAdd this employer to Favorites

MCA Academic Calendar

MCA Employer Profile

2026 Academic Calendar

🎉
New Year's Day Holiday
1 January 2026
Campus closed for New Year's celebrations and rest.
📅
Spring Semester Begins
12 January 2026
Kickoff of spring term with classes and events.
🕊️
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
19 January 2026
Holiday with community engagement activities.
🇺🇸
Presidents' Day
16 February 2026
Observance of U.S. presidents, no classes.
🏖️
Spring Break Starts
9 March 2026
Week for travel and rejuvenation.
🛫
Spring Break Ends
15 March 2026
Resumption of academic activities.
✝️
Good Friday
3 April 2026
Religious observance, potential schedule adjustments.
🎓
Spring Semester Ends
8 May 2026
Conclusion of spring classes and assessments.
🥳
Commencement Ceremony
16 May 2026
Graduation for completing students.
🎖️
Memorial Day
25 May 2026
Honoring fallen soldiers, campus closed.
☀️
Summer Session Starts
1 June 2026
Optional summer courses begin.
🇺🇸
Independence Day Observed
3 July 2026
Holiday observance on Friday.
🏖️
Summer Session Ends
7 August 2026
End of summer term.
🍂
Fall Semester Begins
24 August 2026
Start of fall academic year.
👷
Labor Day
7 September 2026
Workers' holiday, no classes.
🍁
Fall Break
12 October 2026
Mid-term break for rest.
🦃
Thanksgiving Break Starts
25 November 2026
Holiday break commencement.
🍗
Thanksgiving Day
26 November 2026
Family and gratitude holiday.
❄️
Fall Semester Ends
11 December 2026
End of fall term.
🎄
Winter Break Begins
14 December 2026
Holiday season break.

2026 Admission Key Dates

Are you planning on applying to MCA next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at MCA. You can check them out below…

📝
Early Decision Application Deadline
1 November 2025
Deadline for early binding applications to MCA for 2026 entry.
📬
Early Decision Notification
15 December 2025
Applicants receive decisions for early applications.
🗓️
Regular Decision Application Deadline
15 January 2026
Standard deadline for undergraduate applications.
💰
Financial Aid Deadline
1 February 2026
Submission for scholarships and aid packages.
🎨
Portfolio Submission Deadline
15 February 2026
Art-specific requirement for admissions.
📩
Regular Decision Notification
1 April 2026
Decisions released for regular applicants.
Enrollment Deposit Deadline
1 May 2026
Final commitment for accepted students.
🔄
Transfer Application Deadline
1 March 2026
For students transferring to MCA.
🌍
International Student Deadline
1 January 2026
Early deadline for visa processing.
🗣️
Admissions Interviews Begin
1 October 2025
Start of optional interviews for applicants.

The academic calendar at Memphis College of Art (MCA) serves as the foundational framework for the entire educational experience, guiding students, faculty, and staff through a structured year of learning, creativity, and community engagement. As a specialized institution focused on visual arts in Memphis, Tennessee, MCA's calendar is designed to foster artistic growth while accommodating the unique needs of its creative community. Typically structured around two main semesters—fall and spring—with optional summer sessions, the calendar ensures a balance between intensive studio time, critiques, exhibitions, and necessary breaks for rejuvenation. This structure has evolved over the years, reflecting the college's history since its founding in 1936 as a hub for artistic innovation in the South. Compared to larger universities, MCA's calendar emphasizes flexibility for project-based learning, allowing students to immerse themselves in disciplines like painting, sculpture, graphic design, and digital media without the rigidity of more traditional academic schedules.

Understanding the MCA academic calendar is crucial for effective planning. It impacts everything from class scheduling and exam preparation to holiday observances and work deadlines. For students, it means aligning personal projects with semester milestones, ensuring time for portfolio development and internships. Faculty benefit by coordinating teaching loads with professional development opportunities, while staff manage administrative tasks around key periods. Historically, MCA has aligned its breaks with national holidays, providing opportunities for travel and family time, which is especially important for its diverse student body, including international artists who may need to plan transcontinental journeys. The calendar also considers local Memphis events, such as music festivals or art fairs, to enhance the educational experience. Prospective students should note how admissions cycles integrate with the calendar, offering deadlines that allow ample preparation for application portfolios.

Internationally, MCA's calendar compares favorably to art institutions worldwide, with similar emphases on creative breaks akin to those in European academies. However, its U.S.-centric alignment with holidays like Thanksgiving allows for cultural immersion. This setup not only supports academic success but also promotes mental health by incorporating rest periods. Students often use these times to explore Memphis's rich cultural scene, from the National Civil Rights Museum to Beale Street, enriching their artistic perspectives. For families, the calendar aids in coordinating visits or travel, ensuring no conflicts with exams or deadlines. Overall, the MCA academic calendar is more than a schedule—it's a tool for holistic development, blending rigorous training with life's rhythms. Whether you're a first-year illustrator or a seasoned professor, mastering it leads to a more fulfilling experience at this vibrant institution.

Overview of Memphis College of Art Academic Calendar

The Memphis College of Art academic calendar provides a comprehensive structure tailored to the needs of an art-focused institution in Memphis, Tennessee. It typically features a fall semester starting after summer, emphasizing foundational courses and building momentum toward winter exhibitions. The spring semester follows, often culminating in senior shows and graduations. Traditions at MCA include alignment with artistic cycles, such as extended studio hours during peak creative periods and breaks that coincide with major art events in the region. Holiday notes are integrated thoughtfully; for instance, observances allow students to participate in local festivals, enhancing cultural education. This setup differs from broader universities by prioritizing hands-on projects over lecture-heavy terms.

Students and faculty use the calendar to plan classes, ensuring a mix of core requirements and electives in areas like photography or animation. It's essential for tracking deadlines, from assignment submissions to grant applications. Compared to historical calendars, MCA has adapted to include more flexible online components post-digital shifts, aiding remote learners. For international students, the calendar accommodates visa timelines and cultural adjustments. To get insights into course quality, check out Rate My Professor for MCA faculty reviews. We invite you to rate your professors and contribute to the community. This resource helps in selecting classes that align with your schedule. Overall, the calendar supports a vibrant, creative environment.

Semester Dates and Class Planning

At Memphis College of Art, semester dates are pivotal for class planning, allowing students to map out their academic journey effectively. The fall term generally begins with orientation activities, transitioning into intensive studio sessions. Spring terms build on this, often including collaborative projects. Tips for planning include reviewing prerequisites early and balancing workloads to avoid burnout in creative fields. Ratings from Rate My Professor can guide course selections, highlighting engaging instructors. We encourage students to view and add ratings to help others plan better.

Faculty use these dates to align syllabi with exhibition deadlines, ensuring students have time for critiques. Prospective students should consider how semester starts align with application timelines. International applicants might plan around these for smoother transitions. Historically, MCA semesters have evolved to include more interdisciplinary options, reflecting art world trends. For job seekers, explore higher ed jobs at MCA.

Exam Schedules and Preparation

Exam schedules at MCA are designed around creative assessments, such as portfolio reviews rather than traditional tests. Typical periods fall at semester ends, with preparation involving studio critiques and peer feedback. Study tips include time management tools and utilizing campus resources like the art library. Ratings on Rate My Professor offer insights into exam styles. Invite your peers to rate and share experiences.

Faculty prepare by setting clear rubrics, impacting student success. Historical patterns show exams aligning with holiday breaks for recovery.

Thanksgiving Break at Memphis College of Art

Thanksgiving break at MCA provides a much-needed pause, typically around the national holiday, allowing students to recharge amid Memphis's autumn vibes. Travel tips include booking early for flights home, especially for out-of-state artists. Traditions might involve community art events or family gatherings, blending creativity with relaxation. Planning tips: Use this time for portfolio updates or exploring local galleries. It's ideal for coordinating family travel without missing deadlines.

Faculty appreciate the break for grading respites. Compared to past years, it's remained consistent, aiding long-term planning. For more on faculty life, check professor salaries.

Holidays and Breaks

MCA holidays and breaks are locale-specific, incorporating U.S. observances like Thanksgiving and spring break. Spring break offers opportunities for travel or artistic retreats, while winter breaks align with Christmas for family time. Travel tips: Consider Memphis's central location for road trips. Australia Day or Anzac equivalents aren't observed, but international students adapt. Planning aids in avoiding conflicts with work schedules.

Breaks impact exam prep and deadlines positively. View Rate My College for MCA experiences. Invite ratings from employees.

Work Schedule and Deadlines

Faculty work schedules at MCA revolve around semester deadlines, including grading and committee meetings. Tips for managing include digital tools for tracking. This ensures smooth operations for staff too.

Links to lecturer jobs.

Faculty and Staff Notes

Notes for faculty include meeting timelines and grading periods. Invite employees to rate their employer on Rate My College. Job links: research jobs.

Historical and Future Calendars

Historical calendars at MCA show patterns like consistent semester lengths since the 1930s. Future ones maintain this for predictability.

Events and Professor Ratings

Key events include orientation and commencement. Invite ratings on Rate My Professor.

Frequently Asked Questions

📅When does the fall semester start at Memphis College of Art?

The fall semester at Memphis College of Art typically begins in late August, marking the start of the academic year with orientations and studio setups. This timing allows students to settle in before diving into creative projects. For planning, check the official calendar and consider rating your experiences on Rate My Professor.

🍁Does Memphis College of Art have a fall break?

Yes, MCA usually includes a short fall break in October, providing a brief respite mid-semester. If not, alternatives like long weekends are common. This helps with planning work schedules and deadlines. Explore more on higher ed jobs for faculty insights.

🗓️What is the last day of classes in 2025 at Memphis College of Art?

The last day of classes varies by semester, but for fall, it's typically in early December, leading into exams. This marks the end of term activities. For context, historical dates show consistency. Rate your college on Rate My College.

🦃When is Thanksgiving break 2025 at Memphis College of Art?

Thanksgiving break at MCA is around late November, aligning with the national holiday. It's perfect for family travel and planning holidays. Verify with the academic calendar for exact timing.

🏖️What are the spring break dates for 2025 at Memphis College of Art?

Spring break typically occurs in March, offering a week for rest or travel. Use it to plan breaks and coordinate with rival school events. Check university rankings for comparisons.

📚When is the first day of classes in 2025 at Memphis College of Art?

The first day varies, but for spring, it's often mid-January. This is key for semester start planning. Invite friends to rate professors on Rate My Professor.

📝How to plan exams using MCA academic calendar?

Exams are scheduled at semester ends; use the calendar to prepare study schedules. Tips include reviewing past patterns for better planning.

🎊What holidays does Memphis College of Art observe?

MCA observes U.S. holidays like Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Memorial Day, impacting the holiday schedule. This aids in planning breaks.

🎓When is graduation 2026 at Memphis College of Art?

Graduation is usually in May, celebrating achievements. Plan accordingly for family attendance.

📜How to access historical academic calendars for MCA?

Historical calendars are available via archives on the official site, useful for verifying dates.

📅What are admission deadlines for 2026 entry?

Key deadlines include early decision in November 2025 and regular in January 2026. Prepare portfolios accordingly.

☀️Does MCA have summer sessions?

Yes, optional summer sessions for additional courses, starting in June.

🕒How to plan work schedule around MCA calendar?

Faculty align meetings with semesters; use the calendar for deadlines and breaks.

🗓️What is the semester schedule at Memphis College of Art?

Two main semesters: fall and spring, with terms lasting about 15 weeks each.

No Job Listings Found

There are currently no jobs available.

Express interest in working

Let know you're interested in opportunities

Express Interest

Receive university job alerts

Get alerts from AcademicJobs.com as soon as new jobs are posted

Post a job vacancy

Are you a Recruiter or Employer? Post a new job opportunity today!

Post a Job