SAIC admissions counselors are here to assist you throughout the admissions process. In the sections below you will find recordings of our previous application preparation and program deep dive sessions to assist you in preparing your application. Additionally, we will be available throughout the day on January 6th for an Application Preparation Live Chat on zoom. For general questions or to be connected to your individual counselor, please contact us at 312.629.6100 or gradmiss@saic.edu.
Visit and Events
2022-23 Graduate Viewbook
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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
Graduate Tours
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.)
A maximum of 3 people are allowed per party, including the prospective student.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination and advance registration required.
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, and check back this summer for events for fall 2023 admission.
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, October 26, 2021
Watch the Recording
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.
Thursday, January 20, 2022
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.
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.
Libraries and Special Collections
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
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
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.
All events for 2021 have passed. Please check back in Summer 2022 for upcoming events.
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
Community Critique Day
Saturday, December 4, 2021
10:00 am–2:00 pm CT
Online
Event Passed
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!
International Student Meet & Greet
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
5:00 - 7:00 a.m. CT (Chicago)
Online
Event Passed
Join us for Q&A, a virtual tour, and an opportunity to meet with other international students from your region.
View and attend school-wide online and in-person events at saic.edu/events!
