Master of Architecture
Admissions Requirements
Application Deadline: January 15
If you are ready to apply to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s (SAIC) Master of Architecture program, you will need to build a portfolio, gather all of your application materials, and complete the electronic application by January 15 for the fall semester (spring admissions are not accepted).
Application to the Master of Architecture (MArch) program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is open to students who have earned an undergraduate degree. Students should have taken one course in college-level algebra and one course in college-level physics to begin the Master of Architecture program.
The SAIC Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Designed Objects (AIADO) department requires an online application. You will need a valid credit card and current email address in order to complete the form. Please review the following requirements carefully before submitting your application:
Applications for the fall semester must be submitted no later than January 15. No applications are accepted for spring semester.
There is an $80 nonrefundable application fee ($100 for international applications). The application fee is discounted by 50% through December 1.
You must upload one 500- to 750-word statement of purpose that describes the history of your interests and experiences in design, your personal and professional motivations and goals, and your reasons for pursuing graduate study at SAIC. Upload your statement of purpose to the online application.
In addition to your application, you must submit an ePortfolio by 11:59 p.m. (CST) on January 16. Your portfolio should include a minimum of five different projects documented in up to 20 images, or up to 10 minutes of time-based work, or a combination of the two as appropriate. Applicants with no previous experience in design can submit a critical writing sample or a visual "essay" in lieu of a traditional design portfolio.
A current résumé is required. Upload your résumé to the online application.
An interview is required. Please contact the AIADO department prior to the application deadline at 312.629.6650 or aiado@saic.edu to schedule your interview.
You also must submit an official college transcript and two letters of reference for admission into the program. You can ask your references to upload their letter to your online application or mail them directly to the school. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and work experience in architecture, interior design, or a related field is recommended, but not required.
Master of Arts in Arts Administration and Policy
Application Deadline: January 15
If you are ready to apply to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s (SAIC) Master of Art in Arts Administration and Policy, you will need to build a portfolio, gather all of your application materials, and complete the electronic application by January 15 for the fall semester (spring admissions are not accepted).
Completed Online Application
SAIC requires applicants to apply online. Filing an online application requires a valid credit card and a current email address. You may apply to up to three programs with one application and fee. If you are applying to either the MFA in Studio or the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Studio you may select up to three departments of entry. Applications must be submitted prior to 11:00 p.m. (CST) on the appropriate deadline.
Nonrefundable Application Fee
When you click the "submit" button on your online application, you will be prompted to enter credit card information to pay the application fee. Your application is not fully submitted until you have entered your credit card information. Under no circumstances will an application fee be waived or refunded.
Domestic application fee: $80
International application fee: $100
Application fees will be discounted by 50 percent from September 1 through December 1.
Official College Transcripts
Submit one official transcript from each college you have attended. If transcripts are issued directly to you, forward them to SAIC with the seal unbroken and the registrar's signature intact. A transcript request form is available for download from the online application, but is not required. If you are in possession of unofficial copies of your transcripts you are welcome to upload them to the Attachments section of your ePortfolio, but you are not required to do so.
If you are in the process of completing a bachelor's degree when you apply, a transcript showing your first three years of study is acceptable. If admitted to SAIC, you must submit a final, official transcript verifying the completion and award of your degree directly to SAIC's admissions office prior to your matriculation.
Statement of Purpose
Please respond to the following questions (500-750 words):
What do you see as the most pressing issues for the arts today, both locally and globally?
What is the most significant experience you have had working in the arts, and why was it important?
What do you admire in the people you have worked with, and why?
What specific skills do you wish to develop, and why?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Letters of Recommendation
You are responsible for securing three letters of recommendation from persons who are qualified to write about your potential for success at SAIC. If you are currently a student or are a recent graduate, we recommend you request letters of reference from current or former instructors.
Interviews
A small number of applicants will be invited to participate in an interview by Skype. Alternative arrangements can be made if you are unable to arrange for access.
Résumé
A current résumé is required. Upload your résumé to the Attachments section in your ePortfolio.
International students
Students whose native language is not English, or who do not have a degree conferred by a U.S.-accredited university, are required to submit evidence of English language proficiency. Submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) results with your application. The Institution Code for SAIC is 1713.
Minimum required scores
TOEFL: 100
IELTS: 7.0
Master of Arts in Art Education
Application Deadline: January 15
If you are ready to apply to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago's (SAIC) Master of Arts in Arts Education, you will need to build a portfolio, gather all of your application materials, and complete the electronic application. (Spring admissions are not accepted).
Completed Online Application
SAIC requires applicants to apply online. Filing an online application requires a valid credit card and a current email address. You may apply to up to three programs with one application and fee. If you are applying to either the MFA in Studio or the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Studio you may select up to three departments of entry. Applications must be submitted prior to 11:00 p.m. (CST) on the appropriate deadline.
Nonrefundable Application Fee
When you click the "submit" button on your online application, you will be prompted to enter credit card information to pay the application fee. Your application is not fully submitted until you have entered your credit card information. Under no circumstances will an application fee be waived or refunded.
Domestic application fee: $80
International application fee: $100
Application fees will be discounted by 50 percent from September 1 through December 1.
Official College Transcripts
Submit one official transcript from each college you have attended. If transcripts are issued directly to you, forward them to SAIC with the seal unbroken and the registrar's signature intact. A transcript request form is available for download from the online application, but is not required. If you are in possession of unofficial copies of your transcripts you are welcome to upload them to the Attachments section of your ePortfolio, but you are not required to do so.
If you are in the process of completing a bachelor's degree when you apply, a transcript showing your first three years of study is acceptable. If admitted to SAIC, you must submit a final, official transcript verifying the completion and award of your degree directly to SAIC's admissions office prior to your matriculation.
Statements of Purpose
Applicants must submit two statements of 500- to 1,000-words each:
An autobiographical statement describing formal and informal education in the arts; work experience in the arts; commitment to education, humanitarian, and/or arts advocacy; and artistic accomplishments.
A statement of career goals and reasons for applying to the program.
Upload your statements of purpose to the Attachments section of your ePortfolio.
Letters of Recommendation
You are responsible for securing two letters of recommendation from persons who are qualified to write about your potential for success at SAIC. If you are currently a student or are a recent graduate, we recommend you request letters of reference from current or former instructors.
Interviews
An interview is required. Candidates will be contacted by the Art Education department to schedule an interview.
International students
Students whose native language is not English, or who do not have a degree conferred by a U.S.-accredited university, are required to submit evidence of English language proficiency. Submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) results with your application. The Institution Code for SAIC is 1713.
Minimum Required Scores
TOEFL: 100
IELTS: 7.0
Master of Design in Designed Objects
Admissions Requirements
Application Deadline: January 15
If you are ready to apply to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s (SAIC) Master of Designed Objects program, you will need to build a portfolio, gather all of your application materials, and complete the electronic application for Fall 2017 (spring admissions are not accepted).
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) Department of Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Designed Objects requires an online application for its Master of Design in Designed Objects program. You will need a valid credit card and current email address in order to complete the form.
Please review the following requirements carefully before submitting your application:
Application deadline is January 15. No applications are accepted for the spring semester.
There is an $80 nonrefundable application fee ($100 for international applications). The application fee is discounted by 50% through December 1.
You must upload one 500- to 750-word statement of purpose describing the history of your interests and experiences in design, your personal and professional motivations and goals, and your reasons for pursuing graduate study at SAIC.
In addition to your application, you must submit an ePortfolio. Your portfolio should include a minimum of five different projects documented in up to 20 images, or up to 10 minutes of time-based work, or a combination of the two as appropriate. Applicants with no previous experience in design can submit a critical writing sample or a visual essay in lieu of a traditional design portfolio. Using the ePortfolio, submit a 1,000-word critical writing sample addressing some aspect of design that is of specific interest or concern to you. You may include images.
A current résumé is required. Upload your résumé to the online application.
You also must submit an official college transcript and two letters of reference for admission into the program. You can ask your references to upload their letter to your online application or mail them directly to the school. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is recommended, but not required. Some candidates may be contacted for an interview.
Master of Science in Historic Preservation
Admissions Requirements
Application Deadline: February 1.
No applications are accepted for the spring semester.
The Master of Science (MS) in Historic Preservation program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is geared toward full-time students, and while part-time study is not prohibited, preference is given to applicants who plan to attend full time. Candidates must have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution to gain acceptance into the program. Incoming students also must have completed prerequisite courses in architectural history and a survey of art history before beginning the program.
An online application is required for SAIC’s MS in Historic Preservation program. You will need a valid credit card and current email address in order to complete the form. Please review the following requirements carefully before submitting your application:
Nonrefundable Application Fee
When you click the "submit" button on your online application, you will be prompted to enter credit card information to pay the application fee. Your application is not fully submitted until you have entered your credit card information. Under no circumstances will an application fee be waived or refunded.
Domestic application fee: $80
International application fee: $100
Application fees will be discounted by 50 percent through December 1.
Official College Transcripts
Submit one official transcript from each college you have attended. If transcripts are issued directly to you, forward them to SAIC with the seal unbroken and the registrar's signature intact. A transcript request form is available for download from the online application, but is not required. If you are in possession of unofficial copies of your transcripts you are welcome to upload them to the Attachments section of your ePortfolio, but you are not required to do so.
If you are in the process of completing a bachelor's degree when you apply, a transcript showing your first three years of study is acceptable. If admitted to SAIC, you must submit a final, official transcript verifying the completion and award of your degree directly to SAIC's admissions office prior to your matriculation.
Statement of Purpose
Write a 500- to 700-word statement that describes your work or research. Discuss how you came to focus on historic preservation at the graduate level. Also discuss future directions or goals for your work, and finally, describe how the Master of Science in Historic Preservation program is particularly suited to your professional goals. Upload your statement of purpose to the Attachments section of your ePortfolio.
Letters of Recommendation
You are responsible for securing two letters of recommendation from persons who are qualified to write about your potential for success at SAIC. If you are currently a student or are a recent graduate, we recommend you request letters of recommendation from current or former instructors.
Interview
After an initial review of all applicants, the Department of Historic Preservation may contact some candidates for interviews.
International Students
Students whose native language is not English, or who do not have a degree conferred by a U.S.-accredited university, are required to submit evidence of English language proficiency. Submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) results with your application. The Institution Code for SAIC is 1713.
Minimum Required Scores
TOEFL: 85
IELTS: 6.5
