The College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts (CADA) at the University of Illinois Chicago delivers transformative interdisciplinary education through accredited degrees in architecture, cutting-edge graphic and industrial design, visual arts, art history, theatre production, and music performance within a globally connected urban laboratory that leverages Chicago’s cultural resources to foster socially engaged creative practitioners and scholars.

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The College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts at UIC

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Academic Structure  and  Creative  Disciplines

CADA integrates four distinct schools, each maintaining specialized accreditation while encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration:

School of Architecture

• Degrees Offered: NAAB-accredited Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BS Arch), Master of Architecture (M.Arch), Master of Science in Architecture (MS Arch), and PhD in Architecture
• Signature Focus: Urban resilience, sustainable systems, computational design, and community-driven projects through initiatives like the City Design Center
• Unique Opportunities: Barcelona Summer Program, Chicago Studio partnerships with SOM and Gensler, robotic fabrication labs

School of Design

• Degrees Offered: NASAD-accredited Bachelor of Design (BDes), Master of Design (MDes), Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
• Specializations: Experience design, sustainable product development, health design, data visualization, and emergent technologies
• Industry Integration: IDEO Chicago collaborations, Design for America partnerships, Apple Design Initiative participation

School of Art & Art History

• Degrees Offered: BA/BFA in Studio Arts, BA/MA/PhD in Art History, MFA in Studio Arts
• Distinctive Programs: Socially Engaged Art (SEA) initiative, Moving Image Arts concentration, Art Education certification
• Critical Research Areas: Global contemporary art, Latinx art histories, conservation science, digital humanities

School of Theatre & Music

• Degrees Offered: NASM-accredited BA in Music, BFA in Acting, BFA in Theatre Design/Production, MFA in Acting, MFA in Design/Technology
• Performance Pedagogy: Actor training in the Meisner technique, jazz studies emphasis, devised theatre development
• Industry Pathways: Steppenwolf Theatre apprenticeships, Chicago Symphony Orchestra masterclasses, Broadway in Chicago productions

Specialized  Facilities  & Infrastructure

CADA’s 500,000+ sq ft of purpose-built spaces support material experimentation and public engagement:

• Digital Fabrication Labs: Robotics studio (6-axis KUKA arm), metal/wood shops, 3D printing farm, augmented reality cave
• Performance Venues: 200-seat Theatre & Performance Center, Recital Hall with multi-channel audio, black box studios
• Exhibition Spaces: Gallery 400 (international contemporary art), A+D Gallery, Student Exhibition Hall
• Specialized Resources: Computer Music Studio, Lighting Simulation Lab, Materials Library, Printmaking Research Center

Faculty  Expertise  and  Research  Impact

150+ faculty include internationally recognized practitioners and theorists:

• Architecture: Zeynep Çelik Alexander (design history), Alexander Eisenschmidt (urban futures)
• Design: Matthew Wizinsky (speculative design), Cheryl Towler Weese (typography)
• Art History: Therese Quinn (museum studies), Jennifer Ashton (aesthetic philosophy)
• Theatre: Lisa Portes (directing), Daniel Ostling (Tony-nominated scenic designer)
• Music: Andy Baker (composer), Billy Drewes (jazz saxophonist)

Research centers include the Innovation Center, Art History Research Collaborative, and Sound Culture & Theory Lab.

Experiential  Learning  Ecosystem

Beyond studios and classrooms, CADA facilitates:

• Professional Immersion: Semester-long internships at 300+ Chicago organizations including Architecture for Humanity and Second City
• Global Networks: Exchange programs with ETH Zurich, Design Academy Eindhoven, and Tokyo University of the Arts
• Public Projects: K-12 arts outreach, neighborhood design-build initiatives, public performance series
• Entrepreneurship: Design Incubator for student startups, Arts & Business Council partnerships

Chicago  as  Creative  Catalyst

CADA leverages UIC’s location in the nation’s third-largest metro area through:

• Architectural access to works by Mies van der Rohe, Jeanne Gang, and Frank Lloyd Wright
• Art world connections with Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art, and EXPO Chicago
• Performing arts pipelines to Lyric Opera, Hubbard Street Dance, and Pitchfork Music Festival
• Design industry integration with 2,000+ agencies and manufacturers

With 2,000+ students and 10,000+ alumni worldwide, CADA sustains its mission through annual public programming including the Design Research Symposium, Art History Colloquium Series, and New Music Festival, establishing UIC as a nexus for urban creative practice.

School of Architecture Programs

Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BS Arch)

Pre-professional degree preparing students for advanced architectural studies or design-related fields. Combines technical training with humanities through required courses in environmental systems, structural principles, and architectural theory. Includes six semesters of core studios and culminates in a comprehensive design project.

• Duration: 4 years full-time (120 credit hours)
• Key Requirements: Design communication courses, building technology sequence, history/theory seminars, urbanism studies
• Outcomes: Pathway to M.Arch programs, careers in urban planning, architectural visualization, or construction management

Master of Architecture (M.Arch)

NAAB-accredited professional degree with three entry tracks. Focuses on advanced design methodologies, sustainable systems integration, and urban contextualization. Features specialized robotics workshops and required professional practice modules.

• Duration: 3-year (102 credits) or 2-year (60 credits) options based on prior education
• Core Components: Advanced design studios (8 semesters), digital fabrication labs, thesis development sequence
• Career Paths: Architectural licensure preparation, design research positions, development consulting

Master of Science in Architecture (MS Arch)

Post-professional research degree emphasizing specialized knowledge in computational design, urban resilience, or building performance. Requires original thesis developed under faculty supervision with access to materials testing facilities.

• Duration: 1.5 years (36 credits)
• Concentrations: Building technologies, urban design, historic preservation, health design
• Outcomes: Academic research positions, specialized consultancy roles, industry R&D leadership

PhD in Architecture

Advanced research doctorate examining architectural knowledge production through interdisciplinary frameworks. Combines historic analysis with contemporary urban challenges through individually tailored coursework and dissertation.

• Duration: 4-6 years (minimum 64 credits post-master’s)
• Structure: Qualifying examinations, research methodology sequence, teaching practicum, dissertation defense
• Career Trajectories: University faculty positions, policy advisory roles, institutional research leadership

School of Design Programs

Bachelor of Design (BDes)

NASAD-accredited interdisciplinary curriculum merging graphic, industrial, and experience design. Includes foundation year followed by concentration selection with prototyping facilities access and mandatory internship component.

• Duration: 4 years (128 credits)
• Concentrations: Interaction design, product development, visual communication
• Signature Elements: Design entrepreneurship courses, corporate-sponsored projects, professional portfolio development

Master of Design (MDes)

Professional terminal degree focusing on strategic design leadership and systemic innovation. Features collaborative industry projects and research seminars addressing emergent technologies and social impact frameworks.

• Duration: 2 years (60 credits)
• Core Structure: Design research methodologies, advanced visualization studios, thesis development studio sequence
• Career Outcomes: Design direction positions, UX research leadership, innovation management

Master of Fine Arts in Design (MFA)

Experimental studio-based degree emphasizing individual creative practice through material investigation and critical theory. Requires public thesis exhibition and written component documenting research processes.

• Duration: 2 years (64 credits)
• Facilities Access: Dedicated graduate studios, digital manufacturing lab, sensory research equipment
• Professional Pathways: Independent design practice, gallery representation, academic appointments

School of Art & Art History Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts (BA)

Liberal arts-focused degree integrating studio practice with art historical analysis. Requires foundation coursework in multiple media followed by upper-level specialization and capstone seminar.

• Duration: 4 years (120 credits)
• Media Areas: Painting, sculpture, photography, moving image, sound arts
• Key Experiences: Gallery 400 exhibition opportunities, community-based art initiatives

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts (BFA)

Intensive pre-professional program emphasizing advanced technical skills and conceptual development. Features sequential studio courses culminating in senior thesis exhibition with faculty review.

• Duration: 4 years (132 credits)
• Specialized Facilities: Letterpress shop, media arts center, foundry, textiles lab
• Career Preparation: Professional practices course, Chicago artist residency network access

Bachelor of Arts in Art History (BA)

Critical examination of visual culture across global contexts with methodological training in archival research and curatorial practices. Includes museum studies track with partner institution practicums.

• Duration: 4 years (120 credits)
• Concentration Options: Modern/contemporary, Latinx art, museum studies, architectural history
• Field Resources: Access to Chicago Arts Archive, Newberry Library fellowships

Master of Arts in Art History (MA)

Research-intensive degree preparing students for doctoral study or museum professions. Requires foreign language proficiency, comprehensive examinations, and thesis based on original archival investigation.

• Duration: 2 years (40 credits)
• Specialized Seminars: Historiography methods, conservation science, digital art history
• Professional Outcomes: Curatorial fellowships, arts publishing positions, collection management

Master of Fine Arts in Studio Arts (MFA)

Terminal studio degree centered on developing independent artistic practice through rigorous critique and professional development. Features private studios, graduate seminars, and thesis exhibition.

• Duration: 3 years (96 credits)
• Mentorship Model: Individualized committee guidance with visiting artist critiques
• Exhibition Opportunities: Graduate showcase at Gallery 400, EXPO Chicago participation

Doctor of Philosophy in Art History (PhD)

Advanced research degree training scholars through specialized coursework, comprehensive examinations, and dissertation requiring original contribution to field.

• Duration: 5-7 years (post-master’s)
• Research Areas: Global contemporary art, critical museology, architectural theory, material culture
• Career Preparation: University teaching mentorship, grant writing workshops, conference funding

School of Theatre & Music Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Music (BA)

Flexible curriculum combining performance studies with musicology and theory. Includes private lessons, ensemble participation, and capstone project with options in composition or research.

• Duration: 4 years (120 credits)
• Concentrations: Jazz studies, music business, ethnomusicology, composition
• Performance Venues: Recital Hall, electronic music studios, ensemble rehearsal spaces

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting (BFA)

Conservatory-style training integrating physical theater, voice development, and on-camera techniques using Meisner methodology. Features progressive scene study sequence and industry showcase.

• Duration: 4 years (132 credits)
• Training Sequence: Movement fundamentals, text analysis, period styles, audition techniques
• Industry Connections: Chicago Theatre Alliance auditions, Steppenwolf master classes

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Production (BFA)

Technical production specialization offering concentrations in scenic, lighting, costume, or sound design. Includes production crew responsibilities for mainstage seasons.

• Duration: 4 years (128 credits)
• Laboratory Facilities: Computer-aided drafting studio, costume shop, lighting inventory
• Professional Preparation: USITT conference participation, Broadway in Chicago shadowing

Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA)

Advanced professional training emphasizing classical repertoire and contemporary methodologies. Includes international performance opportunities and industry agency showcase.

• Duration: 3 years (90 credits)
• Pedagogical Focus: Verse drama techniques, on-camera acting, voiceover specialization
• Career Development: Equity Membership Candidate points, Chicago casting director network

Master of Fine Arts in Design for the Stage (MFA)

Professional terminal degree with concentrations in scenic, costume, lighting, or projection design. Requires portfolio development through realized productions and design thesis exhibition.

• Duration: 3 years (92 credits)
• Production Requirements: Multiple mainstage design assignments, collaborative processes
• Industry Pathways: LORT theatre placements, television/film design positions, academic careers

Master of Music (MM)

Performance-focused degree with specialized applied study and pedagogy training. Requires recitals, chamber music participation, and comprehensive examinations.

• Duration: 2 years (48 credits)
• Emphasis Areas: Instrumental performance, vocal arts, conducting, jazz studies
• Performance Ecosystem: Symphony orchestra, new music ensemble, jazz combos

Contact The College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts at UIC:

College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts
929 West Harrison Street
303 Jefferson Hall (M/C 033)
Chicago, IL 60607

Office of the Dean: 312-996-2006

Office of Student Affairs: 312-996-3351

Recruitment and Outreach: 312-413-9427 or cadainfo@uic.edu