SAIC
Graduate Curriculum & Courses
Master of Architecture
SAIC offers a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited Master of Architecture (MArch) degree: a full, 3-year MArch and a 2-year, accelerated MArch track for students with an undergraduate, pre-professional bachelor's in architecture or architectural technology.
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Program Requirements and Specifications
- Completion schedule: Students have a maximum of six years to complete the degree. This includes time off for leaves of absence.
- Transfer credit: Generally transfer credits are not accepted. All requests for transfer credits are reviewed individually by the director of the department at the time of admission and are subject to approval at that time. No transfer credit will be permitted after a student is admitted.
- Full-Time Status Minimum Requirement: 12 credit hours
Term Credit Hours First Year Fall 15 - AIA 5110 Arch/Inarch: Grad Studio 1 (6)
- AIA 5113 Arch/Inarch: Construction Systems (3)
- AIA 5123 Arch/Inarch: Structures 1 (3)
- ARTHI 5102 Global History of Architecture, 1750–1900 (3)
First Year Spring 15 - AIA 5120 Arch/Inarch: Grad Studio 2 (6)
- AIA 6221 Arch/Inarch: Structures 2 (3)
- ARTHI 5122 Critical Terms in Modern Architecture (3)
- Elective (3)
Second Year Fall 15 - ARCH 6110 Architecture: Grad Studio 3 (6)
- AIA 6112 Arch/Inarch: Nodes/Networks (3)
- Art History (3)
- Elective (3)
Second Year Spring 15 - ARCH 6120 Architecture: Grad Studio 4 (6)
- AIA 6123 Codes, Specs, Joints (3)
- Art History (3)
- Elective (3)
Third Year Fall 15 - ARCH 6210 Architecture: Grad Studio 5 (6)
- AIA 6212 Arch/Inarch: Choreographed Systems (3)
- AIA 6213 Arch/Inarch:Thesis Strategies (3)
- Elective (3)
Third Year Spring 15 - AIA 6220 Arch/Inarch: Grad Studio 6 - Thesis (9)
- AIA 6222 Arch/Inarch: Practice Economies (3)
- Elective (3)
Participation in four Graduate Critiques—Participation in Critique Week is mandatory for the final four semesters of study at SAIC. Participation in AIADO Graduate Exhibition Total Credit Hours 90 -
Program Requirements and Specifications
- Completion schedule: Students have a maximum of four years to complete the degree. This includes time off for leaves of absence.
- Transfer credit: Generally transfer credits are not accepted. All requests for transfer credits are reviewed individually by the director of the department at the time of admission and are subject to approval at that time. No transfer credit will be permitted after a student is admitted.
- Full-Time Status Minimum Requirement: 12 credit hours
Term Credit Hours First Year Fall 15 - ARCH 6110 Architecture: Grad Studio 3 (6)
- AIADO 6112 Arch/Inarch: Nodes/Networks (3)
- Art History Elective (3)
- Elective (3)
First Year Spring 15 - ARCH 6120 Architecture: Grad Studio 4 (6)
- AIADO 6123 Codes, Specs, Joints (3)
- AIADO 6221 Arch/Inarch: Structures 2 (3)
- ARTHI 5122 Critical Terms in Modern Architecture (3)
Second Year Fall 15 - ARCH 6210 Architecture: Grad Studio 5 (6)
- AIADO 6212 Arch/Inarch: Choreographed Systems (3)
- AIADO 6213 Arch/Inarch: Thesis Strategies (3)
- Elective (3)
Second Year Spring 15 - AIADO 6220 Arch/Inarch: Graduate Studio 6 - Thesis (9)
- AIADO 6222 Arch/Inarch: Practice Economies (3)
- Elective (3)
Participation in four Graduate Critiques Participation in Graduate Design Exhibition Total Credit Hours 60
Master of Architecture with a Track in Interior Architecture
SAIC offers two Master of Architecture (MArch) with a Track in Interior Architecture degrees. Both are professional degrees accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Unique among architecture graduate degrees, SAIC’s two MArch with a track in interior architecture options recognize and underscore the significance of architectural design where form, structure and enclosure are considered in proximity to materials, objects, human needs and experience. Housed within an interdisciplinary educational community, the degrees provide a provocative and intellectually stimulating context for exploring the social, cultural and technological implications architectural spaces designed from the inside out.
Interior Architecture is a growing professional field where architects have an increasing impact. In the MArch programs, we teach through hands-on inquiry, experimentation and exploration to develop the skills and critical knowledge necessary for the development of new spatial ideas and invention in the field of interior architecture.
The curriculum is centered on the series of project-based studios supported by courses in building structures, building technology, professional practice and electives in architectural history and theory. MArch students are encouraged to develop and expand their practice by taking courses in other departments across SAIC, as well as by applying to AIADO’s External Partnership courses. In their final year, students complete a rigorous comprehensive design studio and pursue a self-directed design thesis under the supervision of faculty in the department.
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The 3 year, 90-credit option is a carefully choreographed studio sequence, offering students the skills and sensibilities required of the contemporary interior architect, while grounding them in the histories and theories that are specific to the design of interior spaces. Each semester includes a conceptual cluster of classes with a 6-credit design studio, a 3-credit technical support studio, and 3-credit seminars.
Degree Requirements and Specifications
- Completion schedule: Students have a maximum of six years to complete the degree. This includes time off for leaves of absence.
- Transfer credits: Normally transfer credits are not accepted. All requests for transfer credits are reviewed individually by the director of the department at the time of admission and are subject to approval at that time. No transfer credit will be permitted after a student is admitted.
- Full-Time Status Minimum Requirement: 12 credit hours
Term Credit Hours First Year Fall 15 - AIADO 5110 Arch/Inarch: Grad Studio 1 (6)
- AIADO 5113 Arch/Inarch: Construction Systems (3)
- AIADO 5123 Arch/Inarch: Structures 1 (3)
- ARTHI 5102 Global History of Architecture, 1750–1900 (3)
First Year Spring 15 - AIADO 5120 Arch/Inarch: Grad Studio 2 (6)
- AIADO 6221 Arch/Inarch: Structures 2 (3)
- ARTHI 5122 Critical Terms in Modern Architecture (3)
- Elective (3)
Second Year Fall 15 - INARC 6110 Interior Arch: Grad Studio 3 (6)
- AIADO 6112 Arch/Inarch: Nodes/Networks (3)
- Art History (3)
- Elective (3)
Second Year Spring 15 - INARC 6120 Interior Arch: Grad Studio 4 (6)
- AIADO 6123 Codes, Specs, Joints (3)
- Art History (3)
- Elective (3)
Third Year Fall 15 - INARC 6210 Interior Arch: Grad Studio 5 (6)
- AIADO 6212 Arch/Inarch: Choreographed Systems (3)
- AIADO 6213 Arch/Inarch: Thesis Strategies (3)
- Elective (3)
Third Year Spring 15 - AIADO 6220 Arch/Inarch: Grad Studio 6 - Thesis (9)
- AIADO 6222 Arch/Inarch: Practice Economies (3)
- Elective (3)
Participation in four Graduate Critiques—Participation in Critique Week is mandatory for the final four semesters of study at SAIC. Participation in Graduate Design Exhibition Total Credit Hours 90
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Students with undergraduate pre-professional bachelor's degrees in architectural studies, architectural technology, or interior design may be accepted into the two-year, 60-credit accelerated program. Students admitted into the Option 2 program may also be lacking one or two specific topical architectural classes, and if so will be required to take those classes at SAIC.
Degree Requirements and Specifications
- Completion schedule: Students have a maximum of four years to complete the degree. This includes time off for leaves of absence.
- Transfer credits: Normally transfer credits are not accepted. All requests for transfer credits are reviewed individually by the director of the department at the time of admission and are subject to approval at that time. No transfer credit will be permitted after a student is admitted.
- Full-Time Status Minimum Requirement: 12 credit hours
Term Credit Hours First Year Fall 15 - INARC 6110 Interior Arch: Grad Studio 3 (6)
- AIADO 6112 Arch/Inarch: Nodes/Networks (3)
- Art History Elective (3)
- Elective (3)
First Year Spring 15 - INARC 6120 Interior Arch: Grad Studio 4 (6)
- AIADO 6221 Arch/Inarch: Structures (3)
- AIADO 6123 Codes, Specs, Joints (3)
- ARTHI 5122 Critical Terms in Modern Architecture (3)
Second Year Fall 15 - INARC 6210 Interior Arch: Grad Studio 5 (6)
- AIADO 6212 Arch/Inarch: Choreographed Systems (3)
- AIADO 6213 Arch/Inarch: Thesis Strategies (3)
- Elective (3)
Second Year Spring 15 - AIADO 6220 Arch/Inarch: Graduate Studio 6: Thesis (9)
- AIADO 6222 Arch/Inarch: Practice Economies (3)
- Elective (3)
Participation in four Graduate Critiques Participation in Graduate Design Exhibition Total Credit Hours 60
Master of Design in Designed Objects
The Master of Design in Designed Objects (MDDO) is a two-year, 66 credit hour program with a carefully sequenced course-based curriculum, built for students who seek immersion in the critical and technical skills specific to the extended practice of object design.
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Degree Requirements and Specifications
- Completion schedule: Students have a maximum of four years to complete the degree. This includes time off for leaves of absence.
- Transfer credit: Generally transfer credits are not accepted. All requests for transfer credits are reviewed individually by the chair of the department at the time of admission and are subject to approval at that time. No transfer credit will be permitted after a student is admitted.
- Full-Time Status Minimum Requirement: 12 credit hours
Term Credit Hours First Summer Intensive 6 - DESOB 5050 Refresh: Summer Intensive (6)
First Year Fall 15 - DESOB 5150 Studio 1: Reset (3)
- DESOB 5152 Research Methods Lab (3)
- DESOB 5164 Material Intelligence Studio Seminar (3)
- ARTHI 5120 Survey of Modern and Contemporary Arch. and design (3)
- Elective (3)
First Year Spring 15 - DESOB 5160 Studio 2: Discover (6)
- DESOB 5162 Prototyping Methods Lab (3)
- ARTHI 6120 Critical Issues in Designed Objects (3)
- Elective (3)
Second Year Fall 15 - DESOB 6150 Thesis Studio 1: Initiate (6)
- DESOB 6152 Material Futures Studio Seminar (3)
- Art History Elective (3)
- Elective or Internship (3)
Second Year Spring 15 - DESOB 6160 Thesis Studio 2: Manifest (6)
- DESOB 6162 Positioning Methods Lab (3)
- Elective (3)
- Elective (3)
Participation in four Graduate Critiques Participation in Graduate Design Exhibition Total Credit Hours 66
MFA in Studio
The MFA in Studio Program offers an expansive educational model in which designers engage history, critical thinking, and work across disciplines.
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SAIC's Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Studio, Architecture is a 60 credit hour program is designed to offer maximum flexibility in addressing your individual needs as a student.
Following admission through the department, you will design your two-year plan of study based on optimizing the offerings and opportunities available throughout SAIC. You are encouraged to seek out curricular advising as needed from a variety of available sources including the dean, graduate dean, graduate division chair, department heads, academic advising, the graduate admissions office, and your peers.
Degree Requirements and Specifications
- Completion schedule: You have a maximum of four years to complete your MFA in Studio degree. This includes time off for leaves of absence. Students will have access to studios for four semesters only.
- Transfer credits: You must complete a minimum of 45 credit hours in residence at SAIC. You can request up to 15 transfer credits at the time of application for admission, which are subject to approval at that time. No transfer credits are permitted after a student is admitted.
- Art History requirement: MFA students are required to take ARTHII 5002 Graduate Survey of Modern and Contemporary Art OR ARTHI 5120 Survey of Modern and Contemporary Architecture and Design. Art History courses must be at the 4000-level and above.
- Undergraduate studio courses: Graduate students are permitted no more than one undergraduate studio course (3000-level and above) per semester without permission of the Dean of Graduate Studies. Courses at the 1000 and 2000-level are allowed only with permission.
- Full-time status minimum requirement: 12 credit hours is required to maintain full-time status as a graduate student.
Term Credit Hours Studio—MFA 6009 Graduate Projects, Seminars and/or maximum of 12 credits of 3000-level and above studios 39 Art History 12 - ARTHI 5002 Graduate Survey of Modern and Contemporary Art OR ARTHI 5120 Survey of Modern and Contemporary Architecture and Design(3)
- Art History Courses, 4000-level or above (9)
Electives—any course in any area at 3000 level or above 9 Participation in four graduate critiques Participation in ONE of the following as appropriate to artistic practice:* Graduate Exhibition, AIADO or Fashion Exhibition, Graduate Performance Event, Graduate Screenings Total Credit Hours 60 -
SAIC's Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Studio is a 60 credit hour program is designed to offer maximum flexibility in addressing your individual needs as a student. Following admission through a department, you will design your two-year plan of study based on optimizing the offerings and opportunities available throughout SAIC. You are encouraged to seek out curricular advising as needed from a variety of available sources including the dean, graduate dean, graduate division chair, department heads, academic advising, the graduate admissions office, and your peers.
Degree Requirements and Specifications
- Completion schedule: You have a maximum of four years to complete your MFA in Studio degree. This includes time off for leaves of absence. Students will have access to studios for four semesters only.
- Transfer credits: You must complete a minimum of 45 credit hours in residence at SAIC. You can request up to 15 transfer credits at the time of application for admission, which are subject to approval at that time. No transfer credits are permitted after a student is admitted.
- Art History requirement: MFA students are required to take ARTHII 5002 Graduate Survey of Modern and Contemporary Art OR ARTHI 5120 Survey of Modern and Contemporary Architecture and Design. Art History courses must be at the 4000-level and above.
- Undergraduate studio courses: Graduate students are permitted no more than one undergraduate studio course (3000-level and above) per semester without permission of the Dean of Graduate Studies. Courses at the 1000 and 2000-level are allowed only with permission.
- Full-time status minimum requirement: 12 credit hours is required to maintain full-time status as a graduate student.
Term Credit Hours Studio—MFA 6009 Graduate Projects, Seminars and/or maximum of 12 credits of 3000-level and above studios 39 Art History 12 - ARTHI 5002 Graduate Survey of Modern and Contemporary Art OR ARTHI 5120 Survey of Modern and Contemporary Architecture and Design(3)
- Art History Courses, 4000-level or above (9)
Electives—any course in any area at 3000 level or above 9 Participation in four graduate critiques Participation in ONE of the following as appropriate to artistic practice:* Graduate Exhibition, AIADO or Fashion Exhibition, Graduate Performance Event, Graduate Screenings Total Credit Hours 60 -
SAIC's Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Studio is a 60 credit hour program is designed to offer maximum flexibility in addressing your individual needs as a student. Following admission through a department, you will design your two-year plan of study based on optimizing the offerings and opportunities available throughout SAIC. You are encouraged to seek out curricular advising as needed from a variety of available sources including the dean, graduate dean, graduate division chair, department heads, academic advising, the graduate admissions office, and your peers.
Degree Requirements and Specifications
- Completion schedule: You have a maximum of four years to complete your MFA in Studio degree. This includes time off for leaves of absence. Students will have access to studios for four semesters only.
- Transfer credits: You must complete a minimum of 45 credit hours in residence at SAIC. You can request up to 15 transfer credits at the time of application for admission, which are subject to approval at that time. No transfer credits are permitted after a student is admitted.
- Art History requirement: MFA students are required to take ARTHII 5002 Graduate Survey of Modern and Contemporary Art OR ARTHI 5120 Survey of Modern and Contemporary Architecture and Design. Art History courses must be at the 4000-level and above.
- Undergraduate studio courses: Graduate students are permitted no more than one undergraduate studio course (3000-level and above) per semester without permission of the Dean of Graduate Studies. Courses at the 1000 and 2000-level are allowed only with permission.
- Full-time status minimum requirement: 12 credit hours is required to maintain full-time status as a graduate student.
Term Credit Hours Studio—MFA 6009 Graduate Projects, Seminars and/or maximum of 12 credits of 3000-level and above studios 39 Art History 12 - ARTHI 5002 Graduate Survey of Modern and Contemporary Art OR ARTHI 5120 Survey of Modern and Contemporary Architecture and Design(3)
- Art History Courses, 4000-level or above (9)
Electives—any course in any area at 3000 level or above 9 Participation in four graduate critiques Participation in ONE of the following as appropriate to artistic practice:* Graduate Exhibition, AIADO or Fashion Exhibition, Graduate Performance Event, Graduate Screenings Total Credit Hours 60
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The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program at SAIC is designed to offer maximum flexibility in addressing your individual needs as a student. Following admission through a department, you will design your two-year plan of study based on optimizing the offerings and opportunities available throughout SAIC. You are encouraged to seek out curricular advising as needed from a variety of available sources including the dean, graduate dean, graduate division chair, department heads, academic advising, the graduate admissions office, and your peers.
MFA 6009 Graduate Projects
MFA 6009 Graduate Projects advising, an ongoing individual dialogue with a wide range of full-time and part-time faculty advisors, is at the heart of the MFA program at SAIC, encouraging interdisciplinary study across the curriculum. You are required to register for one MFA 6009 Graduate Projects advisor each semester, and we highly recommend you register for two.
In the registration process, you may elect to earn 3 or 6 hours of credit with each advisor. This option is designed to allow for maximum flexibility in designing your program. You can earn as few as 3 and as many as 6 credits with each advisor each semester, thus dedicating a maximum of 12 credit hours to your studio activity. The number of credits you earn has no correlation with the length or frequency of the advising sessions or to faculty assessment of student work.
The remainder of credits required for the full-time 15 credit hour load may include graduate seminars and academic or studio electives. MFA students are urged to take graduate seminars, and an introductory seminar in their department of admission is highly recommended. In addition, the MFA student may choose from all the art history, studio, and academic offerings across the curriculum (including undergraduate offerings above 3000 level) in any given semester to customize their degree experience.
Graduate Critiques
As one of the principle means of assessment each semester, you will be required to participate in Critique Week, a week-long schedule of critiques during which classes are suspended.
Fall semester critiques are organized by department with panels representing the discipline. This provides you with an opportunity to understand the department’s expectations, have your work reviewed from a disciplinary point of view, and to reiterate the expectations for graduate study.
Spring semester critiques are interdisciplinary, with panel members and students from across SAIC disciplines. Interdisciplinary critiques allow for a broad range of responses to your work, and are intended to assess the success of your work for a more general, albeit highly informed audience. Critique panels include faculty, visiting artists, and fellow graduate students.
Graduate Exhibition or Equivalent
At the conclusion of your studies, you will present work in the SAIC Graduate Thesis Exhibition, other end-of-year events at SAIC, or the Gene Siskel Film Center—or arrange with the graduate dean or division chair for an alternative thesis of equal professional quality. Each year more than 200 graduate students exhibit work, screen videos and films, and present time-based works, writings, and performance to a collective audience of 30,000 people.
Students wishing to install work around prevalent themes, strategies or stylistic affinities can participate in a juried and curated section of the SAIC Graduate Thesis Exhibition. A faculty and staff committee conducts extensive studio visits and as a collaborative project with student participants, organizes and installs the show in designated space at the exhibition.
Undergraduate Courses
MFA students are advised to understand the expectations of their faculty when enrolled in undergraduate studio classes. Although graduate students are an asset to the group dynamic, faculty requirements for graduate students in undergraduate classes are variable. The student is responsible for understanding the faculty member's expectations about completion of assignments, attendance, and any other criteria for earning credit. To assure that graduate students are working at degree level, they are permitted no more than one undergraduate studio course (3000 level and above) per semester without permission of the dean of graduate studies. Courses at the 1000 and 2000 level are allowed only with permission.