2025 EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM
ON-CAMPUS (ECPSI)
ONLINE (ECPOSI)
Intense. Rigorous. Life-Changing.
Early College Program Summer Institute (ECPSI) and Early College Program Online Summer Institute (ECPOSI) at the Nation’s Most Influential Art and Design School
Ideas Matter
At SAIC, you will be empowered to bring your ideas to life, whatever form they may take. You will have the freedom to work in multiple mediums: you can incorporate text into paintings, combine performance and sculpture, or cross boundaries from sound to architecture.
The possibilities are truly limitless, and you will leave our program a more confident maker with innovative, portfolioquality work.
The Critique
Because contemporary makers and scholars need to experiment, be bold, and take risks, work done at SAIC is evaluated by critique, rather than traditional grading models. During the critique, you will discuss your ideas and processes, and engage in a dialogue with your instructors and peers.
Think this means you won’t be challenged? Think again!
World-Class Resources
• A faculty of passionate teachers and acclaimed practicing artists, designers, and scholars
• The Art Institute of Chicago, one of the largest art museums in the United States
• SAIC’s state-of-the-art facilities and resources
• Our relationship with the vibrant city of Chicago
• Connect with visiting artists and peers from around the globe
The ECPSI and ECPOSI Advantage
• Earn college credits that may be transferred to whatever college you choose to attend.
• Successful completion of the program waives the portfolio requirement for admission to SAIC’s undergraduate program.
• A large number of ECPSI and ECPOSI students receive top merit scholarships to our undergraduate degree program.
• Students create portfolio-ready work to enhance their admissions portfolios.
Merit scholarships and financial aid are available to offset some of the costs of ECPSI and ECPOSI courses. Visit saic.edu/ecp for program details.
Freedom to Explore Different Media
One of the key aspects that distinguishes SAIC from other art and design schools is our belief that meaning and making are inseparable. That means you begin with an idea and choose the media that best helps you realize your vision. We teach you to think and work the way contemporary artists and designers do.
• In a painting class, but want to experiment with installation?
• Want to combine photography and performance?
• Passionate about animation and want to do that exclusively?
At SAIC, anything is possible!
Portfolio Preparation — A Head Start
Not only will you receive portfolio feedback from your instructors and fellow students, you have the opportunity to meet with our undergraduate admissions counselors to receive one-on-one advice about constructing a portfolio that best represents you. They look at thousands of portfolios and can provide you with expert advice!
A number of portfolio preparation courses are also on offer this summer, both online and in person! In these courses you'll get focused one-on-one time with SAIC faculty and admissions counselors as they help you create new works and prepare your portfolio for college applications.
Students entering their senior year who successfully complete the program receive the following:
• Portfolio requirement for SAIC undergraduate admission waived
• Fee waiver for SAIC’s application via the Common Application
• Priority consideration for merit scholarship
“ECPSI IS NOT ONLY AMAZING, INSANELY DEMANDING,
EYE OPENING, AND INSPIRATIONAL, BUT ALSO
FUN BEYOND
BELIEF.”
— Mia Aibel, student
Rigorous Classroom Experience
Whether you are taking courses online with ECPOSI or on campus with ECPSI, our programs will provide you with an SAIC undergraduate experience and will give you the opportunity to see what it’s like to be a practicing artist or designer. On-campus classes meet from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and include Tuesday and Thursday evening workshops designed to help you gain new skills and explore your ideas. Online classes feature extensive one-on-one mentorship with SAIC faculty, frequent live feedback sessions, and allow for plenty of studio time to work on your projects.
Faculty
SAIC is known for its faculty, and many of our ECPSI and ECPOSI instructors also teach in the undergraduate degree program. Our instructors are accomplished educators and practicing artists, designers, writers, and scholars. They are deeply passionate about art-making and will challenge you to think, question, and discover.
Visit saic.edu/ecp to see faculty profiles and learn more about the incredible educators who lead these programs.
During frequent one-on-one check-ins, faculty discuss ideas with students, offer new perspectives, and provide answers to specific questions on technique and content development. They also give unique, critical feedback based on the student’s own concerns, personal interests, and areas of growth and potential.
EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM SUMMER INSTITUTE 2025 (ECPSI)
Early College Program Summer Institute 2025
No class June 19. Mandatory arts-based programming will be provided for students on this day.
Session Dates Tuition/ Credit Supplies/ Incidentals Residence Hall/Meal Plan Costs *Optional*
Session 1: Two weeks
Monday, June 16 to Friday, June 27;
Move in: Sunday, June 15
Move out: Saturday, June 28, by 12:00 p.m.
Open studio exhibition: Friday, June 27
Session 2: Two weeks
Monday, July 7 to Friday, July 18;
Move in: Sunday, July 6
Move out: Saturday, July 19, by 12:00 p.m.
Open studio exhibition: Friday, July 18
Session 3: Two weeks
Monday, July 21 to Friday, August 1;
Move in: Sunday, July 20
Move out: Saturday, August 2, by 12:00 p.m.
Open studio exhibition: Friday, August 1
Session 4: Four weeks
Monday, July 7 to Friday, August 1;
Move in: Sunday, July 6
Move out: Saturday, August 2, by 12:00 p.m.
Open studio exhibition: Friday, August 1
Session 5: One week
Monday, August 4 to Friday, August 8;
Move in: Sunday, August 3
Move out: Saturday, August 9, by 12:00 p.m.
Open studio exhibition: Friday, August 8
*Includes $100 nonrefundable tuition deposit.
**Supply costs are projected, and will vary for each course determined in part by students’ individual projects and material choices.
Housing and Meals
COLLEGE CREDITS
Students must be at least 15 years old and not older than 18 years of age, and have completed their sophomore year of high school to enroll in the ECP Summer Institute. Upon successfully completing the program, students will receive college credits that may be transferable to accredited institutions.
Housing is available for ECPSI students in our convenient and spacious residence halls, and the majority of our students take advantage of the opportunity to get a true sense of the college experience by living on-campus.
Meal plans are required for students living on-campus and account for approximately 10 meals a week at campus dining halls.
EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM SUMMER INSTITUTE (ECPSI)
CLASS SCHEDULE
ECPSI SESSION 1: 2 WEEKS, JUNE 16-27, 2025
Juneteenth Observation (no classes): June 19, 2024.
Mandatory arts-based programs will be provided for students.
• 2D Animation
• Advanced Painting and Drawing Studio
• Advanced Projects
• Alternative Comics and Graphic Novels
• Architecture: Analog and Digital Processes
• Experimental Drawing
• Fashion Design
• Figure Drawing
• Murals, Wall Art, and Graffiti
• Oil Painting
• Visual Communication Design
ECPSI SESSION 2: 2 WEEKS, JULY 7-18, 2025
• 2D Animation
• 3D Animation
• Advanced Painting and Drawing Studio
• Alternative Comics and Graphic Novels
• Architecture: Analog and Digital Processes
• Experimental Drawing
• Fashion Design
• Fashion Construction
• Figure Drawing
• Oil Painting
• Sculpture: Materials and Methods
ECPSI SESSION 3: 2 WEEKS, JULY 21-AUGUST 1, 2025
• 2D Animation
• Advanced Painting and Drawing Studio
• Advanced Projects
• Architecture: Analog and Digital Processes
• Digital Photography
• Experimental Drawing
• Fashion Construction
• Material Manipulation: Introduction to Fibers
• Oil Painting
• Portfolio Prep Studio
• Video: Artist as Storyteller
ECPSI SESSION 4: 4 WEEKS, JULY 7-AUGUST 1, 2025
• Advanced Painting and Drawing Studio
ECPSI SESSION 5: 1 WEEK, AUGUST 4-8, 2025
• Advanced Projects
• Alternative Comics and Graphic Novels
• Experimental Drawing
• Oil Painting
• Portfolio Prep Studio
• SAIC Painting and Drawing Studio
Chicago is a vibrant city with many fun events happening all summer long in the downtown area. To see what is going on during your class, visit choosechicago.com.
ECPSI COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Indicates a class that is appropriate for students with minimal arts experience
2D Animation
Session 1, Session 2, Session 3
Learn concepts and processes utilized to produce digital 2D animation and experiment while building skills using software programs such as Adobe Photoshop and After Effects. Turn your drawings into moving images using compositing, layering, and collaging. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago and local galleries/ studios, artist presentations, and group critiques supplement the studio experience.
*Note: Basic drawing and computer experience required. Previous experience in animation or with Adobe Creative Suite is helpful. SAIC provides computers with the appropriate software for use during class. Students are encouraged to bring a digital camera, tablet, or laptop for homework and research.
3D Animation
Session 2
3D animation is a versatile and fast-growing industry, fueling video games, movies, and virtual immersive environments. Students in this course learn how to build threedimensional spaces, audio, interactivity, life forms, or objects using Maya software. Looking to 3D artists such as Alex McLeod, Jennifer Steinkamp, and the Zeitguised, students research how 3D animation can be used in traditional and non-traditional ways. The course begins with introductory exercises to explore the possibilities in 3D modeling and animation, ultimately focusing on the skills necessary to complete individually-driven final project(s).
*Note: Previous experience with computers and digital imaging software such as Adobe Photoshop is preferred. Experience with animation is helpful but not required. SAIC provides computers with the appropriate software for use during class; students are encouraged to bring a digital camera, tablet, or laptop for homework and research.
Advanced Painting and Drawing Studio
Session 1, Session 2, Session 3, Session 4
This advanced course targets students ready to experiment, take risks, and elevate their drawing or painting skills to create robust, portfolio-quality work. Instruction emphasizes the organization of ideas and
the development of self-directed work with peer support. Students explore contemporary artistic practices through interdisciplinary approaches that cultivate material exploration, image-making strategies, and traditional and non-traditional drawing and painting techniques. Students may work in various media, such as water-based paint, oil paint, ink, pencil, charcoal, collage, or a combination of media. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, contemporary artist presentations, group critiques, daily writing exercises, and class discussions supplement the studio experience.
*Note: Painting or drawing experience and the ability to work independently on specific assignments required. Students are encouraged to bring a digital camera, tablet, or laptop for homework and research. This course may use nude models hired by SAIC.
Advanced Projects
Session 1, Session 3, Session 5
Students in this advanced, interdisciplinary course explore a range of creative strategies contemporary artists use to develop ideas and create robust and portfolio-quality work. This course introduces students to new media, materials, and methods to expand their drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, video, sound, and performance skills. With faculty guidance and peer support, students develop individual projects, learn to articulate their ideas verbally and in writing, and develop strategies to produce work that fully represents them as artists. Artist presentations, critiques, and field trips supplement studio coursework. This course is intended for students comfortable working independently from specific assignments using interdisciplinary practices. Artwork and performances that cannot be easily transported will be documented through photography and video.
*Note: Previous experience in art and design and the ability to work independently on specific assignments required. Students are encouraged to bring a digital camera, tablet, or laptop for homework and research.
EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM SUMMER INSTITUTE
Session 1: June 16-27, 2025 no classes on June 19
Session 2: July 7-18, 2025
Session 3: July 21-August 1, 2025
Session 4: July 7-August 1, 2025
Session 5: August 4-8, 2025
Alternative Comics
and Graphic
Novels
Session 1, Session 2, Session 5
Investigate visual storytelling strategies through the contemporary art forms of alternative comics and graphic novels. This course introduces various illustrative approaches, working with materials including pencil, pen, ink, and collage. Students learn research methods to develop ideas and produce conceptually-driven, portfolioquality works through projects that examine narrative structures, material choices, and the integration of text and image. Students are introduced to contemporary artists, illustrators, and designers who transcend the traditional approaches of comics and graphic novels. Regular critiques and field trips supplement the studio experience. *Note: Previous drawing experience required. Students are encouraged to bring a digital camera, tablet, or laptop for homework and research.
Architecture: Analog & Digital Processes
Session 1, Session 2, Session 3
This course explores contemporary thinking and making within architecture and its impact on public life. Students will develop skills in hand drawing, digital modeling, and physical modeling in 3D. Students learn how architects develop design ideas, conduct research, and present proposals through collaborative work and one-on-one mentorship. Conceptual thinking is emphasized as students envision new approaches to the built environment. Active studio practice will feature drawing and hand-built models of proposed spaces, buildings, sculptures, and future
EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM SUMMER INSTITUTE
environments. Students can expect to gain knowledge of the contemporary architectural landscape and an appreciation of other disciplines' impact on architecture and design. Students can create a portfolioquality collection of sketches, technical drawings, physical models, and design presentation boards.
*Note: SAIC provides computers with the appropriate software for use during class; students are encouraged to bring a digital camera, tablet, or laptop for homework and research.
Digital Photography
Session 3
This course introduces students to basic photography skills while developing a personal, creative vision. Students study manual camera functions, exposure, lighting, digital workflow and output, and the creation of high-quality prints using Adobe Bridge and Photoshop software, Canon inkjet printers, and high-resolution laser printers. Contemporary art concepts and issues are examined as students explore the work of significant photographic artists and consider the ideas and obstacles of communication through lens-based images. Presentations and discussions on contemporary and historical photography, visits to the Art Institute of Chicago's world-renowned photographic print study room, and regular critiques supplement the studio experience. This course is ideal for students with little experience in photography or experience making photographs using the auto functions on their camera and who want to gain a deeper understanding of the technical and conceptual forces behind lens-based imagery.
*Note: Students must provide a digital SLR or mirrorless camera with manual functions (no point-and-shoot). SAIC provides computers with the appropriate software for use during class; students are encouraged to bring a laptop with Adobe Bridge/Photoshop for homework.
Experimental Drawing
Session 1, Session 2, Session 3, Session 5
This course is designed for students with previous drawing experience who want to explore various materials and processes to expand their work in new directions and improve their portfolios. While building on technical abilities, students investigate the
creative process and ways to use drawing as a language and a tool for organizing thoughts and ideas. Students experiment with media, scale, arrangement, and presentation/ installation. Field trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, artist presentations, and discussions focusing on the work of significant historical and contemporary artists such as Sol LeWitt, Julie Mehretu, Wangechi Mutu, William Kentridge, and others supplement the studio experience.
*Note: Previous drawing experience required.
Fashion Construction
Session 2, Session 3
This course is for students who want to learn how to design, construct, and sew garments. Students begin by developing original pattern blocks, exploring pattern drafting and draping, and documenting their threedimensional exploration with photography or drawing. Combining inspirational visits to SAIC's Fashion Resource Center and the Art Institute of Chicago with research and sketchbook assignments, students develop concepts and designs from flat and paper patterns to final fabric construction. Students
utilize various materials to build conceptual and construction skills, including paper, muslin, second-hand clothing, and fabric off the bolt. The work produced in this class allows students to reflect and expand on their style while learning the skills to construct a garment from start to finish.
*Note: Previous figure drawing experience preferred; fashion design experience is beneficial. Students are encouraged to bring a digital camera, tablet, or laptop for homework and research.
Fashion Design
Session 1, Session 2
This course is for students interested in exploring contemporary fashion design methods and materials rather than constructing specific garments. Students develop skills in illustrating the fashion figure, styling, draping, and fabric selection; are introduced to the history of fashion design and new research and documentation methods; and are exposed to contemporary designers and design practices. The class will draw on resources such as SAIC's Fashion Resource Center and the Art Institute of
Chicago's collection of art and textiles to develop unique textile and garment designs and to learn about clothing as a language, how garments communicate, and what they signify.
*Note: Basic drawing skills and figure drawing/ illustration experience are beneficial. Students are encouraged to bring a digital camera, tablet, or laptop for homework and research.
Figure Drawing
Session 1, Session 2
Working from the nude model, students learn to draw the human form from direct observation. The essential elements of life drawing, including anatomy, proportion, volume, composition, gesture, and the accurate and expressive use of line and tone are addressed to provide a focus for increasing skill. With a shared emphasis on traditional and non-traditional drawing techniques, students experiment with various wet and dry materials, including charcoal, conte crayon, pastels, ink, and water-based paints. The course is also designed to provide a forum for students to explore new conceptual directions related to contemporary figuration while developing a more mature artistic practice through individual attention from the instructor, peer feedback, trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, critiques, and artist presentations.
*Note: Previous drawing experience required. Students are encouraged to bring a digital camera, tablet, or laptop for homework and research. This course will use nude models hired by SAIC.
Material Manipulation: Introduction to Fibers Session 3
This course explores traditional and nontraditional methods of altering, enriching, and manipulating existing fiber-based materials and objects, using techniques such as soft-sculpture building, stitching, cutting, dyeing, wrapping, printing, stenciling, paper manipulation, and layering. Looking to artists such as Nick Cave, Tara Donovan, Anna Betbeze, Isa Genzken, Carlos 'Dzine' Rolan, and Samantha Bittman, students learn to make artwork through appropriation and object/paper manipulation as well as an introduction to soft sculpture techniques. Emphasis is placed on surface treatment and experimentation while considering
conceptual concerns to create portfolioquality works. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, thrift stores, local galleries/studios, artist presentations, and group critiques supplement the studio experience.
*Note: Students do not need prior experience for this course, but basic hand-sewing skills are helpful. Students are encouraged to bring a digital camera, tablet, or laptop for homework and research.
Murals, Wall Art, and Graffiti
Session 1
What are the differences and similarities between fine art, graffiti, and street art? Many contemporary artists have discovered that viewers engage with their work differently at street level than on the walls of a gallery.
Working in SAIC's studios and public spaces, with methods including spray-painting, stencil and lettering, wheat pasting, and graphic drawing, students will create portfolio-quality works in addition to a collaborative mural or public project. The course also addresses effective techniques for disseminating works through social media in the virtual public space. Discussions about the work of contemporary artists such as Barry McGee, Swoon, Banksy, Shepard Fairey, and Lady Pink inspire projects. While primarily a painting and drawing course, students may choose to work in various media and forms,
following their interests and research.
*Note: Some drawing experience is preferred but not required. Students are encouraged to bring a digital camera, tablet, or laptop for homework and research.
Oil Painting
Session 1, Session 2, Session 3, Session 5
This course introduces the specific materials and oil painting processes to those with little or no experience. Demonstrations on stretching a canvas, laying out a palette, various paint application techniques, and color mixing provide the fundamentals of oil painting and a strong foundation for creating portfolio-quality work. In addition, color theory, composition, structure, proportion, and perspective are explored through observational painting, as well as exercises that encourage students to experiment to find their direction and style confidently.
*Note: Basic drawing and water-based painting experience required. Students are encouraged to bring a digital camera, tablet, or laptop for homework and research. This course may use nude models hired by SAIC.
EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM SUMMER INSTITUTE
Portfolio Prep Studio
Session 3, Session 5
In this hands-on studio course, students will develop new works of art to round out their portfolios for upcoming college applications and select, revise, and edit their existing works. Through dynamic workshops with SAIC faculty and admissions staff, students will discover the most effective way to document and organize their work and represent their unique points of view as artists to the colleges of their choice. This course also strongly emphasizes studio time and faculty support to create final projects that will enhance students' overall portfolio presentation. Additional resources such as artist presentations and the Art Institute of Chicago supplement the course curriculum.
*Note: Students should have developed several artworks in previous ECPSI classes or independently before taking this course and bring at least one piece to document (and revise if needed). Students are encouraged to bring a digital camera, tablet, or laptop for homework and research.
SAIC Painting and Drawing Studio
Session 5
This course, designed for students newly exploring their painting and drawing practice, will allow them to experience how these subjects are taught in SAIC classrooms. The curriculum addresses basic skills related to painting and drawing through contemporary and traditional methodologies. Topics and curricular goals may include using materials, mark making and paint application, technique, space and color, and concept development. Students will explore various creative strategies through technical exercises, material explorations, and individual projects. Structured classroom critiques will bring painting and drawing concepts into personal student work. Additional resources such as artist presentations and the Art Institute of Chicago supplement the course curriculum.
*Note: No previous experience is required. Students are encouraged to bring a digital camera, tablet, or laptop for homework and research. This course may use nude models hired by SAIC.
Sculpture: Materials and Methods
Session 2
This course explores contemporary sculptural practices, emphasizing critical relationships between form, material, and content. Students use research, instructor feedback, and peer support to realize their unique visions in three dimensions. Discussions of materials, processes, and hands-on practice empower students to move from concept to completed work, generating a better understanding of how sculpture is situated within the context of culture and society at large. Projects allow for investigating traditional and contemporary materials and methods, including installation, carving, casting, fabrication, mold making, and construction. Demonstrations of SAIC's digital tools, field trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, and artist presentations supplement the studio experience. Artwork and performances that cannot be easily transported will be documented through photography and video.
*Note: Previous experience in sculpture is helpful but not required. SAIC will provide some equipment, and students are encouraged to bring a digital camera, tablet, or laptop for homework and research.
Video: Artist as Storyteller
Session 3
This course presents video as an art form through the lens of narrative structures. Students develop technical skills to shoot, edit, perform in, and produce collaborative and individual short videos. Beginning with storyboards, students focus on communicating ideas to the audience through character development, sequential imagery, and other cinematic devices. Students are introduced to various materials and resources, such as hand-held cameras, audio and lighting equipment, and video editing software (Adobe Premiere, After Effects) while learning the vocabulary and technical skills required. Students examine video's formal and conceptual qualities and different forms of movie-making as a means of artistic expression to create original narrative work. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago and access to SAIC's Video Data Bank supplement studio coursework.
*Note: Previous video or filmmaking experience is beneficial. SAIC provides computers with the appropriate software for use during class; students are encouraged to bring a digital camera, tablet, or laptop for homework and research.
Visual Communication Design
Session 1
This course covers the elements and principles of graphic design and provides students with the technical and conceptual tools to develop effective design strategies. Students expand their understanding of what surrounds them and learn how to look at and evaluate products, graphics, architecture, advertisements, and more. Class discussions challenge students to consider the world of design through a contemporary art lens, drawing upon the work of Saul Bass, Paul Rand, Paula Scher, and others. In addition to using traditional materials like sketchbooks, students use Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop and output work using highquality digital printers. Students can expect to create portfolio-quality works that explore symbols, logos, typography, layout, image and text integration, and sequential design.
*Note: Some computer experience is required. SAIC provides computers with the appropriate software for use during class; students are encouraged to bring a digital camera and laptop with Adobe Creative Suite for homework and research.
Image Credit: Reese Gilday
CAMPUS LIFE
ORIENTATIONS
ECPSI students attend a series of orientations to ensure that they are fully acclimated to the program and have all of their questions answered at the start of the program.
• In the weeks preceding the program, students and families will be given access to a virtual orientation with details about campus life and academics.
• On move-in day, each student is required to attend an orientation to speak with ECPSI program staff, ask any outstanding questions and receive important information.
• On the night of move-in day, Residence Life staff will host orientations for students living on each floor of Jones Hall. During this meeting, students are provided important campus life information and are introduced to their floor-mates and Summer Resident Advisor.
• Finally, during the first days of the program students are required to attend an orientation led by SAIC staff which outlines safety protocols while attending ECPSI as well as vital ECPSI community guidelines.
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING
On-campus housing is available at SAIC’s Jones Hall, conveniently located a few blocks from the academic facilities. Living on campus is not required but strongly recommended for easy access to classrooms and studios, engaging with other students, and partaking in residence life activities.
Jones Hall features:
• Double and triple occupancy apartment-style rooms
• Private baths
• Kitchenettes with full-size refrigerators, cook-top, and microwave
• Wireless internet
• Studio space
• Private closets and ample storage space
• 24-hour controlled access security
• Live-in professional staff
• Summer Resident Advisor on each floor
• In-building laundry
Visit saic.edu/ecpsireslife for more information, including a list of what to pack.
If you are taking consecutive sessions, we don’t require you to move out of the residence hall.
SAIC MEAL PLAN AND DINING SERVICES
The SAIC meal plan, required for all residence hall students, provides approximately 10 meals per week. The meal plan is a declining balance that gives you the ability to choose a full meal or grab a quick bite.
Dining facilities are located in both the LeRoy Neiman Center and the 280 Building.
You can cook in your rooms, as long as you bring your own supplies (including pots).
LEROY NEIMAN CENTER
You and your fellow students will find SAIC’s LeRoy Neiman Center an ideal place to hang out, grab something to eat, and check out work in our SITE Galleries.
Sample day in the life of an ECPSI Student
8:00 Wake up and get ready for class
8:30 Head to the Neiman Center cafe to get a hot breakfast with friends from the residence hall
8:50 Arrive at class a few minutes early to set up materials and catch up with your teaching assistant
9:00 View faculty demonstrations and lectures and participate in class discussions
10:00 Work on your current assignment and meet one-on-one with your faculty member about your next steps
12:00 Walk to a local cafe with a friend for a sandwich, eat in Millennium Park
1:00 Visit the Art Institute of Chicago with your class for inspiration
2:30 Continue working on your current assignment
3:30 Participate in class critique of works in progress
4:00 Head back to the residence hall for some rest and relaxation
5:15 Cook a spaghetti dinner with your roommate
6:00 Enjoy a Tuesday evening workshop
8:00 Head to Jones Hall to work on some sketches and play games with your hallmates and Resident Advisors in the common room
CHICAGO—OUR URBAN CAMPUS
CHICAGO — VIBRANT, EXCITING & FRIENDLY
Woven into the fabric of vibrant downtown Chicago, home to six other major universities, SAIC’s campus is your ideal home base.
As home to one of the country’s largest concentrations of working artists, Chicago is a city of architecture, innovative public art, and world-class museums and galleries—and our faculty will help you explore it.
Artistic resources aside, Chicago in the summer is simply fantastic: bike along the lakefront, check out Chicago’s famous neighborhood murals, or walk through the Loop and view worldfamous architectural masterpieces.
We think you’ll really like it here. We know you’ll be inspired.
“AS AN ARTIST, CHICAGO’S LOOP IS SUCH AN AWESOME PLACE TO BE; I WAS ENRICHED BY BEING ENVELOPED IN THE CITY’S CULTURE, AND MY PASSION FOR ART WAS COMPLETELY STRENGTHENED.”
— Joelle Scher, student
OUT AND ABOUT
Chicago is an integral part of the ECPSI experience, and we provide programming to give you exposure to a little bit of everything it has to offer. Trips have included venturing to local art museums, enjoying Chicago’s food (we have so MUCH MORE than pizza here), exploring thrift stores, and swimming and sunning at Lake Michigan.
SAIC’s Museum
It was faculty at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago who founded the Art Institute of Chicago’s museum as a teaching resource for its students. Today, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the largest art museums in the United States, and an integral part of the education of every SAIC student.
As an ECPSI student, you have free access to the nearly 300,000 pieces of art in the museum's permanent collection.
Google images, step aside! At the museum, you’ll see:
• Georgia O’Keeffe’s ethereal masterpiece, Sky above Clouds IV
• The incredible color variations in a Van Gogh portrait
• Picasso’s works on paper that are too light sensitive to be on display for the public
• A 12th-century Buddha statue from the coast of India, seated in meditation
• Chicago-based artist Kerry James Marshall’s mixed media sculpture
• Fiber art designed and executed by Lenore Tawney
• Diane Arbus’s famous Identical Twins, Roselle, New Jersey
• The Great Wave, by Katsushika Hokusai—one of the world’s most iconic images
EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM ONLINE SUMMER INSTITUTE 2025 (ECPOSI)
EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM ONLINE
2 WEEKS
Monday-Friday, June 16-27, 2025 No class June 19
All students are required to have their own cell phone, tablet, or computer in order to participate in this program. If you are enrolled in Animation and Video Projects, Visual Communication Design, or Design Projects, you will need a computer that can support Adobe Creative Cloud. Microsoft Windows 10; Mac OS X v10.12 and later.
CLASS SCHEDULE
• Online: Advanced Drawing and Painting 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
• Online: Animation and Video Projects 1:00-4:00 p.m.
• Online: Architectural Design 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
• Online: Drawing / Painting / Comics and Graphic Novels 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
• Online: Fashion Design 1:00-4:00 p.m.
• Online: Graphic Design 1:00-4:00 p.m.
• Online: Portfolio Prep Studio 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
• Online: Writer’s Studio 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
ECPOSI COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Indicates a class that is appropriate for students with minimal arts experience
Online: Advanced Drawing and Painting Projects
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
This advanced course targets students with prior drawing or painting experience ready to experiment, take risks, and elevate their skills to the next level to create robust, portfolioquality work. Instruction emphasizes the organization of ideas and the development of self-directed work with peer support. Students explore contemporary artistic practices through interdisciplinary approaches that cultivate material exploration, image-making strategies,
COLLEGE CREDITS
Session Dates Tuition/Credit
2 Weeks Monday, June 16Friday, June 27, 2025
*No class June 19
*Includes
$1,848* – half-day course, one college credit
$3,696* – full-day course, two college credits
Students must be at least 15 years old and not older than 18 years of age, and have completed their sophomore year of high school to enroll in the ECP Online Summer Institute. Upon successfully completing the program, students will receive college credit that may be transferable to accredited institutions.
and traditional and non-traditional drawing and painting techniques. Students may work in various media, such as water-based paint, oil paint, ink, pencil, charcoal, collage, or a combination of media.
*Note: Painting or drawing experience and the ability to work independently on specific assignments required.
Online: Animation and Video Projects
1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Learn 2D animation, video, and more. Build skills using Adobe software (Photoshop, Premiere,
and After Effects) and master storyboarding and how to develop a narrative through a variety of concepts and processes. The course will include online demonstrations, virtual resources, time for self-directed work, and comprehensive faculty advising. You'll engage in discussions and critiques about animation and video projects with a vibrant online community of students as you create portfolio-quality work for college admissions.
*Note: Students are required to have a computer.
EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM ONLINE SUMMER INSTITUTE
Online: Architectural Design
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Through collaborative work and one-on-one mentorship, students learn how architects develop design ideas, research, draft and develop their projects, and present proposals. Instruction will introduce you to traditional materials and software like the Adobe Creative Suite and Rhino 3D.
Online: Drawing / Painting / Comics and Graphic Novels
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Merge your creative interest in drawing, painting, comics, and graphic novels with support from mentors and peer artists who will push your practice to the next level. You may work in wet and dry media, such as ink, pencil, charcoal, and collage. The course will include online demonstrations geared to your passions, virtual resources, time for selfdirected work, and comprehensive faculty advising. You'll engage in discussions and critiques with a vibrant online community of students as you create portfolio-quality work for college admissions.
Online: Fashion Design
1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
This course is for students interested in exploring contemporary fashion design. You’ll develop skills in illustrating the fashion figure, styling, draping, and fabric selection. Additionally, you'll be introduced to the history of fashion design, new research and documentation methods, and contemporary designers and design practices. Access to SAIC’s digital Fashion Resource Center catalog will inspire you.
Online: Graphic Design
1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
This course caters to students interested in graphic design's elements and principles. You'll receive the technical and conceptual tools to develop effective design strategies. In addition to using traditional materials such as sketchbooks, you'll use Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop to create portfolio-quality works that explore symbols, logos, typography, layout, image and text integration, and sequential design. Previous experience with Adobe Creative Suite is helpful but not required.
Online: Portfolio Prep Studio
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
In this hands-on course, students will develop new works of art to round out their portfolios for upcoming college applications and select, revise, and edit their existing works. Through dynamic workshops with SAIC faculty and admissions staff, students will discover the most effective way to document and organize their work and represent their unique points of view as artists to the colleges of their choice. This course also strongly emphasizes studio time and support from faculty to create one final project that will enhance the student's overall portfolio presentation.
Online: Writer's Studio
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
This course is designed for those who want to investigate writing through experimentation with style, format, and media. Students explore the possibilities of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and hybrid practices as they investigate the many intersections between visual art and language, such as comics, artists’ books, film, and performance. You’ll expand your writing in new ways to give your writing a new creative edge. Some previous writing experience is beneficial. Students are required to have their own laptop or tablet with word processing software, such as Word, Pages, TextEdit, etc.
ECPSI and ECPOSI RULES AND REGS
Registration Opens
Friday, November 1, 2024
Visit saic.edu/ecpsi for Early College
Program Summer Institute registration details or saic.edu/ecposi for Early College Program Online Summer Institute registration details. A $100 nonrefundable tuition deposit is required. Register online at continuingstudies.saic.edu.
Spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is highly encouraged due to limited class capacities.
Priority Merit Scholarship Deadline
March 1, 2025
International Student Registration Deadline
March 1, 2025
Priority Need-Based Financial Aid Deadline
March 1, 2025
Financial aid applications will be accepted and processed as space and funds allow after this date. Note: financial aid is available to U.S. residents only. International students may apply for a merit scholarship.
Payment Deadline
May 1, 2025
Payment Information
You may either pay a $100 nonrefundable deposit at the time of registration and choose to apply for a Merit Scholarship and/ or Need-Based Financial Aid or you may pay for the full cost of tuition at the time of registration online. If you choose to pay a $100 deposit at the time of registration, full payment is due May 1, 2025 for all courses.
Merit Scholarship
All students may apply for the Merit Scholarship. During the registration process, students will be prompted to declare if they would like to be considered for a Merit Scholarship. Applicants must select “Yes” when asked if you are applying for the Merit Scholarship at the time of registration. You may either upload your portfolio online during the registration process, or if you’re not ready to do so at that time you will receive an email with further instructions on how to upload your portfolio at a later date.
Applying for Need-Based Financial Aid
Need-based financial aid is available to US residents only on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must select “Yes” when asked if you are applying for need-based financial aid at the time of registration. Following registration, you will be emailed a link to a secure server, where you will need to upload your family’s most recent year’s federal tax form 1040.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
SAIC is committed to providing opportunities for full participation in all programs for students with disabilities. Students should first contact the Disability and Learning Resource Center (DLRC) to request reasonable accommodations at least two weeks before the start date for your course. Visit saic.edu/dlrc for more info about the accommodations process.
ECPSI On-Campus Tuition and Budgets
1-week Session On-Campus
Tuition: $1,848
Housing and Meal Plan: $630
Supplies: approximately $150
Incidentals/personal spending: $100
2-week Session On-Campus
Tuition: $3,696
Housing and Meal Plan: : $1,260
Supplies: approximately $300
Incidentals/personal spending: $200
4-week Session On-Campus
Tuition: $7,392
Housing and Meal Plan: : $2,520
Supplies: approximately $450
Incidentals/personal spending: $350
ECPOSI Online Tuition and Budgets
2-week session, half-day course online
Tuition: $1,848
Supplies: up to approximately $300
2-week session, full-day course online
Tuition: $3,696
Supplies: up to approximately $450
Cancellations and Changes
Continuing Studies reserves the right to cancel or alter the fees, schedule, or staffing of courses when circumstances warrant. If a cancellation or change is necessary, students will be notified prior to the first class, and students enrolled in cancelled courses will have the option of taking another class or receiving a full refund.
Refund Policy
All drop and cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to cs@saic.edu and include the student’s name, ID number, and course information. The date the request is received in writing is the date used to calculate the refund amount.
100 percent of the tuition cost, less the $100 nonrefundable tuition deposit is refundable if courses are dropped by May 1, 2025 NOTE: this applies for all sessions.
Refunds take four to six weeks to process, depending on payment type.
Note: No tuition will be refunded, and financial aid and merit scholarships may be revoked, if a student is asked to leave the program for violations of policies or regulations.
Residence Hall Supervision
Curfew is strictly enforced. Students must be in the building and signed in each night for curfew. Students violating curfew are subject to disciplinary action that may lead to dismissal from the program. Please visit saic.edu/ecp for more information.
ARTIcard
Please visit saic.edu/ecp to find additional details regarding ECPSI and ECPOSI rules and regulations, policies and FAQs. Please note that this information is subject to change.
ENROLLMENT: Approximately 150 students per ECPSI on-campus session and 50 per ECPOSI online session
ECPSI STUDENTS LIVING ON CAMPUS: 90%
PERCENT INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: 17%
All ECPSI students receive an ARTICard, SAIC’s official ID card, which is to be carried at all times and must be shown to access all campus buildings. The ARTICard gives students free admission to the Art Institute and discounts at the Art Institute Museum Shop and nearby art supply stores. The ARTICard also functions as a debit card and can be used to purchase art supplies and pay for food in SAIC cafeterias and vending machines.
AREAS
Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Greece, Honduras, India, Mexico, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States COUNTRIES REPRESENTED IN ECPSI AND ECPOSI
CONTACT US
saic.sfs@saic.edu.
EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM SUMMER INSTITUTE
High school students who are at least 15 years old and not more than 18 years of age who have completed their sophomore year are eligible to enroll in the Early College Program Summer Institute (ECPSI).
Merit scholarships and need-based aid are available!
ECPSI - On Campus
Session 1: June 16-27
Session 2: July 7-18
Session 3: July 21-August 1
Session 4: July 7-August 1
Session 5: August 4-8
*No class June 19. Mandatory art-based programming outside of class will be provided for commuters and students living on campus.
EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM ONLINE SUMMER INSTITUTE
High school students who are at least 15 years old and not more than 18 years of age who have completed their sophomore year are eligible to enroll in the Early College
Program Online Summer Institute (ECPOSI).
Merit scholarships and need-based aid are available!
ECPOSI - Online 2 weeks
Monday - Friday June 16 - 27
*No class June 19
Image Credit: So Jeong (Amy) Kim