Painting Certificate

Woman sketching figure

In the Painting Certificate, students develop the skills and conceptual foundation necessary to cultivate their art practice, drawing inspiration and context from SAIC’s many resources, including the Art Institute of Chicago, an encyclopedic museum that encompasses more than 5,000 years of creative expression from cultures around the world.

Coursework requirements

  • Studio Courses (4): Four 30-hour courses under the subject headings Painting or Painting and Drawing
    To find current courses in this category 
  • Art History Course (1): One 20- to 30-hour course under the subject heading Art History
    To find current courses in this category 
  • Elective (1): All 30-hour Adult Continuing Education courses are eligible electives for all certificates, including 1-week and 2-weekend intensives *

Total required courses: 6

*It is strongly encouraged that students with little or no drawing experience take Introduction to Drawing, which can be used to fulfill the Painting Certificate elective requirement.

Required courses may not be offered every term. Adult Continuing Education non-credit certificates were not designed to be completed entirely online. Coursework requirements may not be scheduled in the student's preferred instructional mode (online or in-person).

Keep track of your certificate requirements as you move through your individualized program using our Painting Certificate Curriculum Guide.

Completion of the Painting Certificate requires a portfolio review, fulfilled by participation in Portfolio Review Days offered in the fall and spring. Final portfolio reviews are taken during or after the student's final coursework term. Students will also need to complete the certificate program completion form, submit high-quality digital images of their work, and take part in a brief exit interview to receive their digital certificate.

Start your noncredit certificate today - visit continuingstudies.saic.edu. Select Certificate Programs under the heading Adult Continuing Education in the left column and pay the nonrefundable $100 fee.

If you are unable to apply online, please contact us at cs@saic.edu or 312.629.6170. 

Note: The Adult Continuing Education program does not provide job placement or internship services for its students, including those enrolled in non-credit certificates. However, your coursework will provide you with opportunities to network with your instructors and peers, many of whom are working professionals.