School of the Art Institute of Chicago Reviews of Master's in Fine Arts

"It is probably the best interdisciplinary program in the country at the most influential art school in the USA. The possibility of developing my artistic practice alongside my academic practice is wonderful and a dream. Because my research includes production of studio images and documentary photography, this MA that intertwines scholarly, studio, and hybrid research practices, with solid credentials in the subjects of fashion, photography, and visual and critical studies was a great fit. It is also advantageous that the VCS program incentives interdisciplinary course of studies with professors dedicated to Literary Theory, Cultural Studies, Queer Studies, or Latin American Contemporary Art."

"The MFA Writing program is full of some really fantastic professors who are great readers and super encouraging, but the program is just too big to be as enriching as it could be. There are way too many students, and I believe it's because the school realized writing students are cheap (no studios--even though we should get them, no materials, very low overhead and full tuition) so they let in more than is good for the program just to gather some more full tuitions with lesser invested in the students. This brings in a lot of people who can just pay the full amount, but are not necessarily on the level they should be or as conceptual as this school touts its students to be. That said, the faculty members who understand and are invested in students' are worth the price of admission alone. Some of the greatest people and writers around. And there are many students who do not fall into the above description, and will push and inspire you in the way you wanted. All of the reading suggestions and/or assignments from professors and advisors have been transformative and meaningful."

"This school is expensive but the resources it encompasses by being a part of the Art Institute of Chicago are helpful for networking."

"You get the ability to study art therapy with exemplary professors and professionals without loosing you as a artist."

"This is one of the top rated school for art and design in the country. The facilities are wonderful and useful. Dealing with the various departments is often a hassle, but its to be expected in an institution of this size. They would benefit from some streamlining, though. Otherwise, I've been pretty happy here. I have been challenged in every way possible, and I know I'm a better designer because of it."

"One of the main things of the school is the interdisciplinary aspects even in grad programs where you are already focus in and specific field, you have the opportunity to develop your work in between different practices, I had been inform on several aspects of technology, science also art that allow my work to develop. I think on of the cons will be how expensive it is especially for students that have to pay rent and also afford it's own art work in addition to the very expensive semester tuition."

"The quality of the education is top notch, but the school is expensive. I have given them a decent rating in terms of financial aid, because their financial aid office is stellar. I am a post-baccalaureate student working toward getting into their MFA program, and I appreciate the personal attention and guidance I have gotten in all facets, from administration to faculty participation. Overall, the involvement in shaping my career and building my education has been exceptional."

"Pros: The Writing Grad Program at SAIC has a lot of flexibility and offers me the chance to work on interdisciplinary interests in performance and between different types of writing. The faculty have been very available, and the other students are friendly and interested in sharing work. Cons: There is a lot of self-motivation needed and no concrete grading structure, so the value one gets out of the education is ultimately up to each student. That works for me, but sometimes the classroom situation is hard to balance student expectations when they are so broad."