Master of Fine Arts in Studio
Visual Communication Design saic.edu/viscom Visual Communication Design students explore the transformative power of design as they develop their analytical skills, personal voice, and visual language. The program challenges students to actively engage the world and define their role as contributing designers working at the intersection of art, design, and mass culture.
Exploration by design Experimentation is at the core of the program. Students begin by exploring different methodologies before charting their own trajectories to pursue their interests. With access to a rich array of tools and ideas, students acquire new skills and hone their studio practice as they develop an innovative and mature body of work, culminating in projects that are critically presented in the MFA thesis exhibition.
Interdisciplinary engagement The individualized approach allows students to add new dimensions to their design by exploring other disciplines— from Printmedia and Writing to Photography, Film, Video, New Media, Animation, and Architecture. Engaging with like-minded creatives across departments allows students to make inventive and often unexpected connections in their work.
Yiting Liu Leaving-home dumplings, Coming-back noodles
For more information on requirements, please visit:
saic.edu/viscom
Renowned faculty Our renowned faculty represents the diversity of contemporary design, practice, theory, and research, with thriving practices both self-initiated and client-associated, physical and virtual, individual and collaborative. They guide students to explore issues of personal interest while examining how design influences and reflects cultural, social, political, industrial, and technological forces.
Options for students of all experience levels In addition to the two-year Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program, students who need additional experience can also pursue the one-year Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Studio to prepare for admission into the MFA program.
Visiting Designer Series Each year, the department hosts Exploratory Languages, a lecture series featuring leading designers and design educators. Recent lecturers have included Henk van Assen, Michelle Bowers, Kate Bingaman-Burt, Philip Burton, Anne Bush, and David Dunlap.
Faculty JOHN BOWERS STEPHEN FARRELL MAURA FRANA PIOTR MICHURA For complete faculty listing visit: saic.edu/viscom
Curriculum Requirements Studio MFA 6009 Graduate Projects, Seminars and/or a maximum of 12 credits of 3000 level and above studios
39
Art History ARTHI 5002 Graduate Survey of Modern and Contemporary Art or ARTHI 5120 Survey of Modern and Contemporary Architecture and Design
3
Art History Courses at the 4000 level or above
9
Electives Any course in any area at 3000 level or above
9
Participation in four graduate critiques Participation in the graduate exhibition or equivalent Total Credit Hours
60
Application Process Submit: › Online application › Application fee › Official college transcripts › Statement of purpose › Letters of recommendation › ePortfolio › Résumé
Yihong Zhang, Until you disappear, 2022
Application Deadline: January 10 Yihong Zhang, Until you disappear, 2022
Lela Johnson, Red earth place, 2022
Jill Gao Im perfectionism (detail), 2022
Graduate Admissions 36 South Wabash Avenue, suite 1201 Chicago, IL 60603 Phone 312.629.6100 / 800.232.7242 gradmiss@saic.edu
For application requirements, visit saic.edu/viscom