SAIC Recognized again for Excellence in Diversity
Learn about our efforts toward supporting and building a diverse community.
SAIC’s new faculty members represent a diverse range of practices, media, and methodologies and exemplify SAIC’s focus on interdisciplinary studies. Read more.
SAIC's suggested FAFSA priority deadline for each upcoming academic year is December 1 for Undergraduate Illinois Residents, January 1 for All Others. More info.
Students have many options when it comes to getting involved in the SAIC community. Learn more.
Registration Now Open for Fall and Winter Courses for Ages 10-18 and Adults!
Join us this year for an exciting lineup of exhibitions, lectures, screenings, and special events.
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.
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
SAIC admissions counselors are here to assist you throughout the admissions process, and are 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 meeting.
For general questions or to be connected to your individual counselor, please contact us at 312.629.6100 or gradmiss@saic.edu.
Join graduate admissions staff for a tour of SAIC's campus. We will be showing you around the graduate departments and answering any questions you may have.
Virtual: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. CT
On-Campus: Fridays at 1:30 p.m. CT. (Please plan to arrive by 1:15 p.m. CT for check-in.)
Check out our on-demand virtual tour at your convenience!
Sign up to get reminders for upcoming info sessions.
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
12:00 p.m. CT
RSVP
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, September 14, 2021
Watch the Recording
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 28, 2021
Watch the Recording
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, October 12, 2021
Watch the Recording
Meet with admissions to review the portfolio requirements for graduate programs at SAIC.
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Watch Now
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, 2020
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.
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
12:00 p.m. CT
RSVP
Learn more about applying to our MFA in studio programs.
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
12:00 p.m. CT
RSVP
Review the portfolio requirements for the Master of Architecture and Master of Architecture with an Emphasis in Interior Architecture degrees at SAIC.
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
12:00 p.m. CT
RSVP
This session will focus specifically on our Designed Objects, Visual Communication Design, and Fashion, Body and Garment Programs.
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
12:00 p.m. CT
RSVP
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This session focused specifically on our Designed Objects, Visual Communication Design, and Fashion, Body and Garment Programs.
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.
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.
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.
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 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:
| Date and Time | City | Address | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, October 8, 2021 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. CT |
Online | Online | RSVP |
| Saturday, October 23, 2021 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. CT |
Chicago | School of the Art Institute of Chicago 280 S. Columbus Dr. Chicago, IL 60603 |
RSVP |
| Saturday, October 30, 2021 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. PT |
San Francisco | California College of the Arts 1111 8th St. San Francisco, CA, 94107 |
RSVP |
| Saturday, November 6, 2021 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. ET |
New York, NY | New York Academy of Art 111 Franklin St. New York, NY 10013 |
RSVP |
| Sunday, November 21, 2021 12- 4 p.m. CT |
Online | Online | RSVP |
Representatives will be available from the following SAIC Departments:
Participants who attend the Chicago Graduate Portfolio Day are also invited to join us for Graduate Open Studio Night! Graduate studios across campus will be open to the SAIC community and GPD attendees starting at 3:30 p.m. in the 280 Building. Maps and more info will be available at the GPD. Meet with and view the work of more than 300 students pursuing graduate degrees at SAIC!
Saturday, December 4, 2021
10:00am–2:00 pm (CT)
Online
Present your work virtually 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.
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Time TBA
Online
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!
For more than 150 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has been a leader in educating the world’s most influential artists, designers, and scholars. Located in downtown Chicago with a fine arts graduate program ranked number two in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, SAIC provides an interdisciplinary approach to art and design as well as world-class resources, including the Art Institute of Chicago museum, on-campus galleries, and state-of-the-art facilities. SAIC’s undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate students have the freedom to take risks and create the bold ideas that transform Chicago and the world—as seen through notable alumni and faculty such as Michelle Grabner, David Sedaris, Elizabeth Murray, Richard Hunt, Georgia O’Keeffe, Cynthia Rowley, Nick Cave, Jeff Koons, and LeRoy Neiman.
