Certificate Programs

Students enroll in SAIC’s noncredit certificates to explore a field of interest, to prepare for further study in art and design, to attain a credential for career opportunities, or to achieve their personal or professional goals.

Certificate students take a combination of six Adult Continuing Education noncredit courses unique to each subject, including electives of their choice. Students pay the same tuition for ACE courses as non-certificate students, and are charged a one-time application fee.

Certificates are offered in the following areas:

  • Drawing 
  • Fashion
  • Graphic Design
  • Interior Design
  • Painting


Start your noncredit certificate today: visit continuingstudies.saic.edu. Select Certificate Programs under the heading Adult Continuing Education in the left column, then “Add to cart.” ​After you have selected at least one course, pay the nonrefundable $100 fee along with your tuition.

You must register for at least one Adult Continuing Education course at the time of application. If you are unable to apply online, please contact us at cs@saic.edu or 312.629.6170.

Note: The Adult Continuing Education program does not provide job placement or internship services for its students, including those enrolled in noncredit certificates. However, your coursework will provide you with opportunities to network with instructors and peers, many of whom are working professionals.

Drawing

In the Drawing Certificate, students develop the skills and conceptual foundation necessary to cultivate their art practice, drawing inspiration and context from SAIC’s many resources. Among them is the Art Institute of Chicago, an encyclopedic museum encompassing more than 5,000 years of creative expression from cultures worldwide.  

Coursework Requirements

- Studio Courses (4): Four...

More

Fashion

The Fashion Certificate is designed for students interested in artistic and professional training in fashion. Participants hone the technical skills necessary to realize their creative vision as they develop a portfolio of work that can be used for a variety of purposes, including preparation for further study.

Inspiration and context are drawn from...

More

Graphic Design

The Graphic Design Certificate is designed for students with an interest in exploring graphic design with an emphasis on print media. Participants employ analog and digital processes and may elect to work across disciplines as they develop a portfolio of work that represents their personal voice and demonstrates the technical, critical, and analytical...

More

Interior Design

SAIC’s non-credit Interior Design Certificate Program equips students with knowledge and skills in the constantly evolving field of interior design. Students will study interior architecture, learning how to design and create functional interior spaces while gaining exposure to contemporary design concepts, trends, and applications. You will learn what is required to design and...

More

Painting

In the Painting Certificate, students develop the skills and conceptual foundation necessary to cultivate their art practice, drawing inspiration and context from SAIC’s many resources, including the Art Institute of Chicago, an encyclopedic museum that encompasses more than 5,000 years of creative expression from cultures around the world.

Coursework Requirements

- Studio Courses (4): Four...

More

Studio Art and Design

New Studio Art and Design Certificate applications are no longer being accepted.

Designed to support individual students' immediate creative goals and long-term aspirations, the Studio Art and Design Certificate reflects SAIC's interdisciplinary art and design curriculum.

Coursework Requirements

- Required Course (1): Artist Materials and Techniques (formerly Studio: Surface, Space, Time) - offered in fall only

-...

More

Contact Us

Continuing Studies staff members are available Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CT at 312.629.6170 or cs@saic.edu to answer your questions. We are here to help!