The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) invites applications for three master’s degree programs designed for aspiring visual arts leaders, scholars, and innovators: the newly launched MA in Curatorial Practices, the MA in Arts Administration and Policy, and the MA in Modern and Contemporary Art History. One of the world’s most acclaimed art and design schools, SAIC offers graduate students an immersive environment to turn their passion into a career in contemporary art, culture, and policy. Surrounded by practicing artists and embedded in Chicago’s cultural ecosystem, students gain access to a network of alumni and art and design leaders.
Whether you want to curate exhibitions, lead cultural organizations, or advance original scholarship, SAIC provides three distinct paths to shape the future of the art world.
Which program is the right fit for you? We’ve broken down more info on the programs below.
MA in Curatorial Practices
For students who want to shape how people experience art, the new MA in Curatorial Practices offers an integrative, practice-based approach. The program bridges critical theory and real-world execution, preparing students to develop exhibitions, collaborate with artists, and design meaningful public programming.
Students combine art history, exhibition studies, critical theory, and arts administration while honing practical skills in scholarly writing, curatorial production, and public engagement. Leveraging SAIC’s connection to the Art Institute of Chicago alongside the city’s vibrant network of galleries and alternative spaces, graduates emerge ready for impactful roles in exhibition development, gallery directing, and contemporary curating.
MA in Arts Administration and Policy
The MA in Arts Administration and Policy is tailored for future arts leaders from around the globe. Through hands-on projects that encourage experimentation, this program examines the place where strategic leadership, cultural policy, and social impact overlap with creative thought. At SAIC, we know Arts Administration is a creative practice. The program is committed to a dynamic practice of strengthening cultural organizations, collaborating with artists, and advocating for equitable policy.
Here, students develop analytical, strategic, and communication skills to navigate the challenges of today’s arts sector. Institutional partnerships across Chicago and beyond help students learn to build sustainable models for nonprofits, for-profit industry, museums, and creative initiatives. This degree prepares graduates to lead institutions, manage non-profit organizations, develop community-centered cultural programming, and influence policy. Students leave here with the skills and relationships to build careers that tap into their passion—however the art world evolves.
MA in Modern and Contemporary Art History
For students driven by deep inquiry into art, visual culture, and historical context, the MA in Modern and Contemporary Art History offers a rigorous, research-centered pathway. The program develops expertise in interpreting modern and contemporary art and design, emphasizing original scholarship and persuasive scholarly writing.
Art History students work with a large department of full-time faculty specializing in modern and contemporary art and design with a global focus. They learn to conduct thorough historical research, interrogate critical theoretical frameworks, and articulate original arguments. The program provides a foundational setting for students aiming for careers in academic research, art criticism, publishing, collections management, or doctoral study.
The SAIC advantage
While each program offers a specialized focus, all three share fundamental strengths:
–Interdisciplinary learning: Study within an active art and design school alongside contemporary studio artists, designers, and thinkers.
–Real-world integration: Connect academic rigor with Chicago’s world-class museums, galleries, and cultural partnerships—including the Art Institute of Chicago, of course.
–Critical skill building: Master advanced research, critical thinking, and communication skills applicable across the cultural domain.
–Career network: Access an active network of alumni and cultural leaders, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market.
Ready to take the next step? Applications are now open for the upcoming academic year. Apply now: SAIC Graduate Admissions
