Academic Spine

The Academic Spine is a required three-course sequence for all undergraduate degrees. The courses provide a structure for peer support and intensive faculty mentoring as students navigate SAIC's open curriculum. 

The Sophomore Seminar, taken in the spring of the second year, is an interdisciplinary studio seminar that will hone critique skills and provide guidance as students develop their work. The Professional Practice Experience, taken in the third year, exposes students to key real-world, hands-on professional skills, such as proposal-writing and networking, and assists in developing effective strategies for speaking about art and design work with a variety of audiences. Our Capstone course, taken in the final year of study, provides targeted support for students developmenting a focused project or body of work. All of the Academic Spine courses are offered through multiple departments across the school.

Academic Spine Courses Required

  • Sophomore Seminar (SOPHSEM 2900) is taken in the spring of the second year of study
  • Professional Practice Experience (PROFPRAC 3900) is taken in the third year of study
  • Capstone (CAPSTONE 4900) is taken in the final year of study

Academic Spine Courses Required for Transfer Students

  • Professional Practice Experience (PROFPRAC 3900) is taken in the third year of study 
  • Capstone (CAPSTONE 4900) is taken in the final year of study