MAAA students choose approved electives from across the SAIC Graduate curriculum, including Art Education, Art History, Historic Preservation, Interior Architecture, Studio areas, and the departmentally related interdisciplinary area of Exhibition Studies. The organizing of an interdisciplinary Publication Project involving students in other graduate programs provides insight into the complexity of working collaboratively with artists. Two different internships are an essential part of the program and students are encouraged to work in both small and large organizations inside and outside of the Chicago area. The thesis project is the culmination of the program, and is an opportunity for students to accomplish substantial, original research into a topic that focuses their professional interests and expertise. It is closely supervised, rigorous, and requires a defense at the proposal level and at completion.
Individual courses change from time to time in keeping with changes in the professional environment.
The program seeks mature students with a firm commitment to the arts. An educational background in studio art, art history, or art education or work experience in the arts is highly desirable. Also emphasized are written and oral communication skills. Basic math skills and computer literacy are also helpful. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited undergraduate institution or an equivalent qualification.