The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is excited to share this information about our FirstYear Scholars Program.
The First-Year Scholars program provides a supportive, cohort-based learning environment for our highest achieving incoming first year students. Students invited to participate in this selective program will take a sequence of specialized Scholars courses in their first year. The program is structured to enrich the student’s academic and creative experience through peer-focused community building, engaging academic discussions, and related activities. Participants will have an opportunity to form mentoring relationships with their instructors and become active members of a vibrant, collaborative learning community. The First-Year Scholars program is designed to foster an early commitment to academic excellence and promotes continuous personal and professional growth among students.
Only 5% of our admitted students have been selected for this program based on a holistic review of their admission applications. They have shown:
» A compelling portfolio of work that demonstrates both conceptual and technical proficiency
» Academic excellence as exhibited through strong high school records
» A well-organized, thoughtful and clearly-articulated artist’s statement
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
• Students are exclusive participants in a winter term study trip led by Contemporary Practices full-time faculty with research interests, knowledge and experience in the destination and SAIC. The study trip, Living the Past in the Present: the Art of Archive will take place in Siena, Italy. Students are awarded a $3,000 grant to defray affiliated costs.
• First-Year Scholars have the opportunity to choose between specially-designated First Year Seminar courses. Students will also take an Advanced Art History survey in their first semester.
First-Year Scholars Program
Course Sequence
Fall 2025
Students will take three shared courses together in their first semester: Research Studio I, First Year Seminar I and the Art History Survey.
Winter 2026
Students will participate in a Scholars-only study trip to Siena, Italy. This trip will fulfill several degree requirements.
Spring 2026
Students take two shared courses together in the spring semester: First Year Seminar II and their second Art History Survey course.
Living the Past in the Present: | Siena, Italy
Through a partnership with the Siena Art Institute (SART), students will experience the history, tradition and culture of Siena, one of Italy’s most important medieval cities and home to numerous works of art and architecture, as well as a wide array of archives, collections and research centers. Students will develop insight into how historical study can spark their growth as contemporary artists, designers, and visual scholars. Our study in Siena will be augmented by excursions to Florence to learn about seminal achievements in Renaissance art and architecture, and to San Gimignano to visit its medieval towers and Galleria Continua, an internationally known contemporary art space. Studio work will take place and faculty may require a final critique subsequent to the class during the following semester.
First-Year Scholars will be granted $3,000 toward the cost of their study trip.
FIRST-YEAR SCHOLARS PROGRAM Q&A
Will I be taking more credit hours than my peers during fall and spring semesters of my first year?
No. First-Year Scholars students take up to 15 credits in their fall semester and up to 15 credits in the spring semester. However, within the first year they will have the opportunity to participate in a 3-credit hour study trip for studio credit. In total, they will likely take 33 credits in their first academic year.
Does the study trip fulfill any of my degree requirements?
Yes. The study trip fulfills degree requirements and additionally, all SAIC undergraduate students are required to take 2 courses designated as off-campus study. This trip fulfills half of that requirement.
If I decide to defer and enroll in a future semester, am I able to remain in the program?
No. Students are only able to enroll in the program for the fall semester to which they were originally admitted. Students who defer will forfeit their place in the program.
Can transfer students participate in the First-Year Scholars Program?
No. First-Year Scholars curriculum is specially designed for first-year/freshmen students.
How do I ensure my place in the First-Year Scholars Program?
Places are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please indicate your commitment to be a part of the program by May 1. Information on how to confirm your participation is included with your invitation to participate in the program.
Learn more about the SAIC First-Year Scholars Program at
