Student works on print project

Graduate Overview

Graduate Overview

Reduced Application Fee Deadline: December 1
Application Deadline: January 10

While acknowledging the rich history and tradition of the medium, SAIC’s Printmedia department expands the definition and articulation of printmaking. Graduate students engage issues of contemporary art by employing a wide variety of printing techniques, developing technologies, and media. The department’s fundamental philosophy is interdisciplinary with an emphasis on material exploration.

Well-equipped printmaking facilities, individual graduate studios, and faculty mentorship aid the development of ideas, concepts, and creative production. The MFA program features discourse across aesthetics, applications, distributive practices, and related fields and supports the creation of prints, artists’ books, three-dimensional objects, installations, time-based arts, electronic media, and performances.

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A floral piece next to large pieces of glass.

Graduate Projects

Each semester, in addition to selecting graduate advisors from within the department, students can choose from more than 100 graduate faculty advisors at SAIC representing a myriad of disciplines, approaches, and intellectual positions. Individualized instruction is the cornerstone of the graduate studio program.

Teaching Assistantships

All graduate students in the Department of Printmedia are eligible for up to two teaching assistantships per semester where they provide technical and instructional support to faculty in the undergraduate studio-classroom.

Critique Week

Panels comprised of faculty and invited guests conduct intensive studio critiques with all MFA and writing graduate students for one week each semester. During the fall, Crit Week offers students the opportunity to discuss on-going work from a disciplinary, department-specific point of view. Attention to material exploration, techniques, and ideas feature prominently. In the spring, an interdisciplinary Crit Week follows, with faculty, visiting artists, and peers from across SAIC departments participating in a diverse exchange addressing concepts, creative production, and histories.

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A group of people walking through an art gallery.

Take the Next Step

Graduate Admissions Events

Learn how to prepare a competitive application, meet with faculty and staff, and explore our programs and facilities. LEARN MORE

MFA in Studio Admissions Information
Curriculum & Courses

Continue to explore the SAIC Printmedia department website to learn about our curricular offerings, faculty, students, and alumni, visit the Master of Fine Arts in Studio degree program for more detailed information, or schedule a tour.

Visit the graduate admissions website or contact the graduate admissions office at 312.629.6100, 800.232.7242 or gradmiss@saic.edu

Upcoming Events

Oct18

Graduate Portfolio Day provides the opportunity for prospective students to receive immediate feedback on their portfolios, as well as have the opportunity to learn more about the curricula, faculty, and application procedures from a number of colleges.

Participants who attend Graduate Portfolio Day are also invited to join us for Graduate Open Studios! Graduate studios and galleries across campus will be open to the SAIC community and GPD attendees. Meet with and view the work of more than 300 students pursuing graduate degrees at SAIC! Maps and more info will be available at the GPD. 

Saturday, October 18 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. CDT at School of the Art Institute of Chicago 280 S. Columbus Dr. Chicago, IL 60603
A student works on a print piece

MFA in Studio, Printmedia Program Brochure