How to Apply
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?
Spring 2026, Transfer – October 15, 2025
Fall 2026, First Year Early Action – November 3, 2025 (*Applications and all required documents must be electronically dated or postmarked by November 3. This includes test scores if including. UIC is test optional. Please note submitted materials will not be reflected on the checklist immediately due to processing delay.)
Fall 2026, First Year Regular Decision – February 2, 2026
Fall 2026, Transfer – April 1, 2026 (*Application opens 12/15/25)
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 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.
Please note: if you do not see your intended program on the application, it is not offered that semester. Please do not select a program for application review that you do not intend to pursue in the college. If you wish to start as an Undecided student, you must apply to the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.
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. Please do not select an alternative program for a spring semester application.
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. The deadline to submit 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 if you are applying for the Spring.)
Transfer students should expect four years to degree regardless of transferrable credit, due to studio sequencing for the Bachelor of Science in Architecture.
The Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies core requirements total 60 credit hours. Those transferring with fewer than 60 credits will need more than 2 years to complete the degree.
Transfer students, there is a minimum 2.75 GPA required for eligibility for admissions consideration in the School of Architecture.
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. Please do not select an alternate program for a spring application. 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.
All Art Education students should expect the following internal review processes: foundation year review, second year review, and a final portfolio review that will determine admission into the Professional Core. Transfer students with art credits should email cadainfo@uic.edu for more information regarding the advanced placement process or use Transferology to determine how art credits transfer towards the foundation requirements.
Transfer students, there is a minimum 2.5 GPA required for eligibility for admissions review in the School of Art and Art History.
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. Please note that applicants who indicate interest in these areas as majors may be denied.
All design programs are available to start in the fall semester only. Please do not select an alternative program in a spring application.
Readmission students who previously passed the Foundation review should email cadainfo@uic.edu to discuss their application.
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.
Transfer students, there is a minimum 2.75 GPA required for eligibility for admission consideration in the School of Design.
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.
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.
Transfer students, a minimum 2.5 GPA is required for eligibility for admissions consideration in the School of Theatre and Music.
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
- Current CADA students who wish to change their degree program in CADA should submit the Change of Degree form.
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:
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.