MFA in Studio, Comics

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), a global leader in art and design education, is launching a Master of Fine Arts in Studio, Comics program, an innovative, interdisciplinary pathway designed for aspiring comic artists. This new program recognizes the complexity of narrative comics as a multi-faceted art form, providing students with world-class facilities and a unique opportunity to explore and experiment across various disciplines, including painting, drawing, writing, and narrative expression.

“Countless comics artists have honed their craft at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, like Chris Ware, Caroline Cash, Emil Ferris, and current faculty member Beth Hetland,” shared Dean of Graduate Studies Delinda Collier. “The interdisciplinary nature of our education has helped them create groundbreaking works, and we’re thrilled to launch an official program tailored to the unique needs of this dynamic art form.”

The MFA in Studio, Comics program at SAIC offers a collaborative environment that leverages Chicago’s vibrant narrative comics community. Through foundational comics seminars, coupled with a selection of studio electives and guidance from esteemed faculty advisors, students will be able to develop their unique narrative voices and visual languages. The curriculum is structured to support artistic growth by allowing students to work across the departments of Printmedia, Painting and Drawing, Writing, and Visual Communication Design.

Building on SAIC’s established strengths as one of the world’s top art and design colleges, the MFA in Studio, Comics emphasizes an experimental approach, encouraging students to push boundaries, explore new creative languages, and engage in multidisciplinary experimentation. 

The application deadline for fall 2025 is January 10. Apply now.

About the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
For more than 155 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has been a leader in educating the world’s most influential artists, designers, and scholars. Located in downtown Chicago with a fine arts graduate program ranked number two in the nation by US News and World Report, SAIC provides an interdisciplinary approach to art and design as well as world-class resources, including the Art Institute of Chicago museum, on-campus galleries, and state-of-the-art facilities. SAIC’s undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate students have the freedom to take risks and create the bold ideas that transform Chicago and the world, and adults, teens, and kids in our Continuing Studies classes have the opportunity to explore their creative sides, build portfolios, and advance their skills. Notable alumni and faculty include Georgia O’Keeffe, Nick Cave, David Sedaris, Cynthia Rowley, Michelle Grabner, Richard Hunt, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, and Jeff Koons.