Bachelor of Fine Arts with an Emphasis in Art Education: Admissions Requirements

You must meet the following criteria to gain admission to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s (SAIC) Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with an Emphasis in Art Education program:

1. Admission to SAIC’s undergraduate division
2. Consultation and preadmission credit check with a certification specialist during the first semester of sophomore year
3. Submission of a departmental application during the first semester of junior year. Application packets are available at the Department of Art Education, Sharp Building, 37 S. Wabash Ave., 7th floor.
   1. Application must be submitted by October 1 for admission the following spring semester.
   2. Recommendation from a faculty member, using the form included with the application
   3. A 500- to 1,000-word Statement of Purpose explaining why you want to teach
   4. Portfolio of art work/cultural production: (10 images showing work you are currently most excited about; 10 images showing a range of media, and SAIC coursework) Please enclose an Image Description List, identifying the title, dimensions, media, and dates completed.
   5. A 350- to 500-word Writing Sample that discusses the images you have included in your portfolio. Be sure to give the context in which the peices were made and discuss the challenges and significant learninig associated with various works. Include an analysis of references or influences, use of materials, processes, and common themes that relate to some or all of the works. Discuss social, political, or personal relevance as well as formal attributes of the work.
4. Formal interview with Patricia Pelletier, Director of the BFA with an Emphasis in Art Education program to be completed prior to application deadlines
5. No more than 18 credits remaining in studio, Art History, and Liberal Arts coursework. Please refer to the preadmissions credit check in the BFA with an Emphasis in Art Education Handbook for a list of specific courses required by the program.

Once students enter the Art Education program, they usually complete the program in three semesters. The three semesters include coursework in remaining studio, Art History, Liberal Arts electives, and professional education.

Note: Completion of art education program prerequisites does NOT guarantee admission to the program.

Interested in learning more?

Visit the Department of Art Education website for information on the curriculum, faculty, and resources offered through the department.

Ready to apply to an undergraduate degree program?

Visit the undergraduate admissions website or contact the undergraduate admissions office at 800.232.7241 or ugadmiss@saic.edu.