How to Apply

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We appreciate your interest in our programs at UIC College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts (CADA). CADA is made up of the School of Architecture, School of Art and Art History, School of Design, and School of Theatre and Music. We look forward to providing you with a holistic review of your application in collaboration with UIC Admissions.

Stay connected with admission updates, first year requirements, and transfer requirements, and use the information below to help you prepare your application for one of our creative degree programs within our four schools at CADA. Please note that this page focuses primarily on undergraduate degree programs.

What application should you use?

First year students (those coming from high school or a gap year with no higher education credits) should use the Common Application
Transfer students (anyone who has enrolled in a higher education institution, Second Bachelor’s, and Readmission students should use the UIC Application.
Graduate students should apply through the UIC Graduate College.

What are the deadlines to apply?

Early Action deadline: November 1, 2024

Regular Decision deadline: February 3, 2025

Transfer Decision deadline: April 1, 2025

What do you need to apply as an undergraduate student?

UIC requires a completed Common Application or UIC Application, Official Transcript, Fee or Waiver, Personal statement and program essay (not sure where to start with your program essay? check out our new essay writing workshops, available virtually on Discover UIC)
School of Theatre and Music degrees require auditions for admission. Audition information will be received after you submit your application to UIC.
Recommendation letters are not required, but they are encouraged!
Portfolios are not required (or reviewed) for undergraduate student admission to the School of Architecture, School of Art and Art History, or School of Design.
UIC is test optional.

Learn about our UIC Aspire Program, offering a pathway to free tuition and fees at UIC for those eligible.

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Undergraduate Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies

Portfolios are not required (or reviewed) for undergraduate student admission to the School of Architecture for undergraduate students.

Architecture programs are available to start in the fall semester only.

Advanced placement portfolio review option is available for transfer students only. Complete this screening form to get instructions for how to submit. Submissions recommended at the time of your UIC application. Deadline is UIC admissions deadline, typically April 1. Late submissions are not accepted. Advanced placement review does not impact an admissions decision.

Late applications are not accepted for architecture. The program starts in the Fall semester only (no spring applications are accepted, please do not select another program)

Transfer students should expect four years to degree regardless of transferrable credit, due to studio sequencing for the Bachelor of Science in Architecture.

Transfer students must have a minimum of 60 credits to be eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies.

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Undergraduate Degrees:

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education, Bachelor of Arts in Art History, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Education in the Arts (IDEAs)

Bachelor of Portfolios are not required (or reviewed) for undergraduate admission to the School of Art and Art History for undergraduate students.

Art and Art Education are available to start in the fall semester only. Art History and Interdisciplinary Education in the Arts are available for both fall and spring semester starts.

BFA Art and Art Education students begin in Art Foundation. Foundation year advanced placement option available for transfer students only.

Art Education transfer students should expect two additional internal application processes after admission to UIC; pre art-education after the completion of foundation year, and the BFA application for the professional core, after the completion of pre-art education. Some transfer students may be eligible for pre art ed or the professional core due to incoming art credits. Email cadainfo@uic.edu for more information.

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Undergraduate Degrees:

Bachelor of Design in Graphic or Industrial Design, Bachelor of Arts in Design Studies, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science + Design*

Portfolios are not required (or reviewed) for admission to the School of Design for undergraduate students.

*Fashion Design and Interior Design are not offered at UIC and are not a part of our design programs.

All design programs are available to start in the fall semester only.

All incoming students start in Design Foundation and there are no exceptions to this sequencing.

All students must complete the sequenced Design Foundation year course work with strong grades and complete and pass a foundation year review in order to gain full admission into a degree program.

Transfer students are required to complete the full, four year course sequence for the Bachelor of Design and Computer Science + Design degrees, and the full three year course sequence for the Bachelor of Arts in Design Studies. This is required for all transfer students, regardless of incoming credit.

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Undergraduate Degrees:

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting, Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Performance, Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Design, Production, and Technology, Bachelor of Music in Music Performance, Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Bachelor of Arts in Music Business, Bachelor of Arts in Music

Auditions are required for admission to all programs. Programs are available to start in both fall and spring semesters.

Theatre Audition Information

Music Audition Information

Admissions decisions will not be made without an audition. Auditions can be in person or recorded material, but in person is recommended.

UIC does not require pre-screen auditions. Students who do not audition will be denied admission and/or reviewed for alternate programs at UIC, if indicated.

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Transfer Students

Transfer Guides are available for all UIC programs. Please visit this resource for requirements as well as recommended course work or pre-requisites.
UIC has a new Transferology page! Use this to help you find classes that will transfer to UIC.
Questions about your credits or your estimated timeline to degree as a transfer student? Email cadainfo@uic.edu.
Bachelor of Design and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science + Design are always four year programs regardless of transferrable credit. Bachelor of Science in Architecture students should also expect a four year timeline, with the exception of those granted advanced placement.

Intercollege Transfer Students

Visit this page for all requirements and application procedures.
Intercollege transfer students are those currently enrolled at UIC who wish to change their major to a degree program in CADA, or current CADA students who want to change from one degree to another.

Graduate Students

UIC CADA has graduate programs in the School of Architecture, School of Art and Art History, and School of Design.

Resource links for graduate and doctoral program application information and inquiries:

Architecture Art

Art History, MA Art History, PhD

Museum and Exhibition Studies Design

Need More Help?

Book a visit to studio spaces in CADA, or schedule a phone or zoom appointment

Visit Discover UIC for all visit options, both in person and virtual

Already admitted? Congratulations! Take the next steps here!

Not seeing your question answered here? Email us at cadainfo@uic.edu.

Nondiscrimination Policy

At UIC, we’re proud of our tradition of welcoming students from every ethnic and racial group, religion, gender, sexual orientation, physical condition, and age. We’ve been recognized as one of the most diverse colleges in the U.S. But what really matters is the way diversity supports and enriches our students’ lives.

The commitment of the University of Illinois to the most fundamental principles of academic freedom, equality of opportunity, and human dignity requires that decisions involving students and employees be based on individual merit and be free from invidious discrimination in all its forms. The University of Illinois will not engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations. This nondiscrimination policy applies to admissions, employment, access to and treatment in the University programs and activities.