Visit and Events

2021 Graduate Viewbook
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Best Grad Schools US News and World Reports

We are very proud to have been ranked as the #2 fine arts graduate program in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. 

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Office of Graduate Admissions
Sullivan Center
36 S. Wabash Ave., suite 1201
Phone: 800.232.7242 or 312.629.6100
Fax: 312.629.6101
Email: admiss@saic.edu

 

Request Information on our programs

SAIC admissions counselors are available to advise you with any questions you may have throughout the admissions process. For general questions or to be connected to your individual counselor, please reach out at 312.629.6100 or gradmiss@saic.edu.

Beginning August 1st, the graduate admissions team will be available for individual appointments to discuss programs, cover admissions requirements, review work, and answer any questions you may have prior to submitting your application. Please complete this form and we will reach out to schedule a date.

Join graduate admissions staff on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. CT for a live virtual tour of SAIC's campus. We will be showing you around the graduate departments and answering any questions you may have.

Schedule a graduate tour

Note that all in-person campus tours have been cancelled until further notice, and will resume when it is safe to do so. Apologies for the inconvenience.

Can't attend our live tour?

Check out our on-demand virtual tour at your convenience!

 

Sign up to get reminders for upcoming info sessions.

Statement of Intent

Tuesday, September 14, 2021 
12:00 p.m. CT

The statement of intent is a key component of your application to SAIC and your opportunity to speak to the faculty review committee. Meet with admissions to talk about preparing a strong statement of intent.

Choosing Your References

Tuesday, September 28, 2021 
​12:00 p.m. CT

The selection and timing of your references has the potential to greatly impact your application. Meet with admissions to talk about who to select, how to contact them, and when to start the process.

Portfolio Overview

Tuesday, October 12, 2021 
​12:00 p.m. CT

Meet with admissions to review the portfolio requirements for graduate programs at SAIC.

Application Process & Submitting via SlideRoom

Tuesday, October 26, 2021 
​12:00 p.m. CT

Meet with admissions to review the portfolio requirements for graduate programs at SAIC. We'll cover best practices and help you prepare for your upcoming submission with special attention on how best to present your work for viewing in the SlideRoom environment.

September 15, 2020
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The statement of intent is a key component of your application to SAIC and your opportunity to speak to the faculty review committee. Meet with admissions to talk about preparing a strong statement of intent.

September 22, 2020
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The selection and timing of your references has the potential to greatly impact your application. Meet with admissions to talk about who to select, how to contact them, and when to start the process.

Tuesday, November 10
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Meet with admissions to review the portfolio requirements for graduate programs at SAIC. 

Tuesday, November 17
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Meet with admissions to review the portfolio requirements for graduate programs at SAIC. We'll cover best practices for presenting your work online and help you prepare for your upcoming submission.

Tuesday, November 24
International Students: Watch Now
Students in the USA: Watch Now

Meet with admissions to review the portfolio requirements for graduate programs at SAIC. We'll cover best practices and help you prepare for your upcoming submission with special attention on how best to present your work for viewing in the SlideRoom environment.

 

Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Watch the Recording

Representatives from SAIC's Student Financial Services department will be providing helpful information for prospective graduate students about the financial aid process. We will be discussing filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), SAIC’s financial aid timeline and outside scholarships. There will also be time during and after the presentation to ask questions.

Meet with admissions to review the portfolio requirements for graduate programs at SAIC. We'll cover best practices and help you prepare for the upcoming review season.

MFA Programs

Tuesday, November 9, 2021 
12:00 p.m. CT

Learn more about applying to our MFA in studio programs.

Architecture & Interior Architecture Programs

Tuesday, November 16, 2021 
​12:00 p.m. CT

Review the portfolio requirements for the Master of Architecture and Master of Architecture with an Emphasis in Interior Architecture degrees at SAIC.

Design Programs

Tuesday, November 23, 2021 
​12:00 p.m. CT

This session will focus specifically on our Designed Objects, Visual Communication Design, and Fashion, Body and Garment Programs.

MA Programs

Tuesday, November 30, 2021 
​12:00 p.m. CT

This session will focus specifically on our Arts Administration & Policy, Art Therapy and Counseling, Modern and Contemporary Art History, Dual Degree, New Arts Journalism, Art Education, Teaching, and Visual and Critical Studies programs.

 

Sign up to get reminders for upcoming info sessions.

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SAIC’s dynamic Master of Science in Historic Preservation (MSHP) prepares graduates to revitalize the built environment through the comprehensive exploration of science, history, creative arts, politics, and technology. Join us to learn more about the program and how to apply.

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SAIC's Low-Residency MFA program is open to artists, writers, educators, curators, and historians. Join us to learn more about the program curriculum, pedagogy and admissions requirements.

Watch Now

Meet with admissions to review the portfolio requirements for graduate programs at SAIC. We'll cover best practices and help you prepare for the upcoming review season. This session will focus specifically on our Arts Administration & Policy, Art Therapy and Counseling, Modern and Contemporary Art History, Dual Degree, New Arts Journalism, Art Education, Teaching, and Visual and Critical Studies programs.

Watch Now

Review the portfolio requirements for our Post-Bacc in Studio programs at SAIC. We'll cover best practices and help you prepare for the upcoming review season. 

Watch Now

Review the portfolio requirements for the Master of Architecture and Master of Architecture with an Emphasis in Interior Architecture degrees at SAIC. We'll cover best practices and help you prepare for the upcoming review season. 

Watch Now

This session focused specifically on our Designed Objects, Visual Communication Design, and Fashion, Body and Garment Programs.

Watch Now

Meet with admissions to review the portfolio requirements for graduate programs at SAIC. We'll cover best practices and help you prepare for the upcoming review season. This session focused specifically on our MFA in studio programs.

Libraries and Special Collections

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Join us for a casual gathering with the admissions team along with a breakout room where you can meet with representatives from Libraries and Special Collections, see their spaces, and hear about these vital resources at SAIC.

SITE Galleries

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Join us for a casual gathering with the admissions team along with a breakout room where you can meet with representatives from our student-run SITE galleries, see their spaces, and hear about their experiences at SAIC.

New Works at the Museum

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Join us for a casual gathering with the admissions team along with a breakout room where you can meet with students in the Art Institute of Chicago, see their favorite new works, and hear about their experiences at SAIC.

Graduate Portfolio Days are online events for prospective students who would like to get feedback on their portfolio, as well as have the opportunity to learn more about the curricula, faculty, and application procedures from a number of colleges.

Upcoming Events:

  • Saturday, October 23, 2021
    Time TBD

Representatives will be available from the following SAIC Departments:

  • MFA in Studio: Architecture, Art & Technology Studies, Ceramics, Design for Emerging Technologies, Designed Objects, Fiber & Material Studies, Film, Video, New Media, & Animation, Painting & Drawing, Performance, Photography, Printmedia, Sculpture, Sound, Visual Communication Design
  • MFA in Writing
  • Master of Architecture
  • Master of Architecture with an Emphasis in Interior Architecture
  • Master of Design in Designed Objects
  • MA in Art Therapy and Counseling
  • MDes in Fashion, Body and Garment
  • Low-Residency MFA

Afternoon at the Museum

Friday, October 22, 2021
3:00–6:00 pm (CT)

Prospective students are invited to explore our museum and join us for a casual meet and greet with Admissions, Faculty, and current students. Student-led museum walking tours and self-guided tours will be available.

Community Critique Day

Saturday, December 4, 2021
10:00am–2:00 pm (CT)

Present your work to faculty and fellow applicants for feedback prior to submission. Reviews can be discipline-specific or interdisciplinary, and provide an opportunity to meet faculty and members of your future incoming class! Join us at your convenience for any sessions you are interested in. The specific schedule will be posted later this fall.

International Student Meet & Greet

Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Time TBA

Join us for Q&A, a virtual tour, and an opportunity to meet with other international students from your region. Sessions TBD.

View and attend school-wide online and in-person events at saic.edu/events!

SAIC is closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak. While our physical offices are currently closed, our entire Admissions team is working, and ready to help you navigate your college search and selection process. Please feel free to call us at 312.629.6100, 800.232.7242, or email admiss@saic.edu with any questions you may have. SAIC is here for you!