The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is an art and design school in Chicago, in the United States. It is linked to the Art Institute of Chicago museum.
At a glance
| Founded | 1866, by a group of Chicago artists |
| Address | 36 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60603, United States |
| Linked museum | The Art Institute of Chicago |
| Fashion degrees | Bachelor of Fine Arts: Fashion Design; Master of Fine Arts in Fashion, Body and Garment |
| Faculty | More than 700 practising artists, designers and scholars |
What is it?
SAIC began in 1866, when a group of Chicago artists formed a school of art with its own gallery. In 1882 the school and its museum were renamed the Art Institute of Chicago.
In 1922 the school moved into its Michigan Avenue building. In 1998 it launched its “Design Initiative” and became a full school of art and design.
SAIC describes its fashion programme as interdisciplinary, mixing art and theory with professional training. It holds yearly fashion presentations of student work.
Fashion courses you can study
These are SAIC’s fashion degrees, with their official names:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts: Fashion Design
- Master of Fine Arts in Fashion, Body and Garment
How to apply
- Apply through SAIC’s admissions website, which has separate information for undergraduate and graduate applicants.
Entry requirements, fees and deadlines change every year. Always check the official website before you apply.
Sources
All facts on this page come from the official website of SAIC. Last checked: 1 November 2026.