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School of Art & Design

Graduate Programs in Art, Design, History, or Education

Expand your Creativity at the University of Illinois School of Art and Design!

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Lauren Wennstrom (2015 graduate, MFA Studio Art)

Study with Illinois’ renowned faculty

Study with renowned faculty.

Access world-class facilities.

Experience hands-on learning.

At the University of Illinois School of Art & Design, master’s and doctoral students will enjoy the benefits of a small tight-knit community at a large top-ranked university. Our programs offer a variety of degrees that range from creative practice to education to research and scholarship. Here, we have passionate mentors, personal studio spaces, funding opportunities, and access to many more resources and support.

Join a graduate program focused on creativity, research, and innovation in a collaborative setting. Learn more about the programs below and apply today! For questions, reach out to art@illinois.edu.

artwork on display

Lauren Wennstrom (2015 graduate, MFA Studio Art)

How to Apply

Check individual program details for application deadlines.

Learn more about our graduate programs

  • 3-year MFA.
  • Apply by January 15, 2026.
  • Coursework in painting, sculpture, new media, photography, printmaking, and more.
  • Access to personal studios, installation spaces, fabrication labs, woodshops, and computer and digital output labs.

LEARN MORE

  • 3-year MFA.
  • Apply by January 15, 2026.
  • Access to personal studios, installation spaces, fabrication labs, woodshops, and computer and digital output labs.
  • Funding and teaching assistantships available.

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  • 3-year MFA or 2-year MDes (with STEM designation).
  • Apply by December 15, 2025.
  • One semester Graduate Certificate in Advanced Design Thinking also available.
  • Funding and teaching assistantships available for MFA students.

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  • Pursue a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Education (EdM) in Art Education.
  • The PhD in Art Education offers access to our remarkable resources as a Research 1 institution.
  • Apply by December 1, 2025.
  • Funding and teaching assistantships available.

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LEARN MORE about PhD

  • Pursue a master’s or doctorate in Art History.
  • Apply by December 15, 2024.
  • The PhD in Art History offers access to our remarkable resources as a Research 1 institution.
  • Funding and teaching assistantships available.

LEARN MORE about MA

LEARN MORE about PhD

Attend an Info Session!

Information sessions for prospective Fall 2026 PhD, MA, EdM, MDes and MFA applicants are being offered remotely via zoom. Please register in advance for one of the following dates, and you will receive a zoom link on the day of the session:

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The series of guest speakers and the school's collaboration with units like the Humanities Research Institute, offered incredible opportunities to meet leading artists and scholars in our fields. Access to graduate student offices and studios is fundamental for graduate students to build community in the process of the graduate degree.
Catalina Hernandez-Cabal, PhD in Art Education, Academy of Transdisciplinary Studies Faculty, Virginia Tech
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Learn more about our world-class facilities!

Here at Illinois, you can create anything, shape your career, and forge your path forward as an artist, designer, scholar, or educator. Our graduate students have access to a wide variety of resources and facilities, including:

  • Studio Spaces
  • The Krannert Art Museum
  • The Ricker Library of Architecture and Art
  • Fabrication and Print (3D) labs
  • Gallery & installation spaces
  • Computing Resources
  • Exhibition opportunities, portfolio reviews, and renowned visiting artists and scholars
Facilities Overview
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The Art History program has provided me with generous opportunities for growth as a researcher in a supportive and inspiring environment. One of the most exciting aspects of writing my dissertation was conducting research abroad with the support of the School of Art & Design and the Graduate College. We are also fortunate to have exceptional resources for art-historical research on campus, including the Krannert Art Museum, the Ricker Library of Architecture and Art, and the Rare Book and Manuscript Library.
Ivan Cherniakov, current PhD student in Art History
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Our Faculty Shape the World.

We have remarkable faculty that are known across the globe for their art, design, and education practices, as well as for scholarship, research and publications.

Learn more about our Faculty
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The MDes program has been instrumental in preparing me for my future career. Through my coursework, I've gained a comprehensive understanding of the entire product development process, from initial sketching to final model making, and have learned how to present my models more effectively. This hands-on experience has been incredibly valuable. Furthermore, the faculty at the School of Art and Design have been very supportive of my growth. During the first semester, the professors across different courses provided a blend of theory and design practice, which has deepened my understanding of industrial design.
Bohan Chen (Master of Design student)

Contact Us!

Still have questions? Email us at art@illinois.edu!

Shape your Future.

Apply to a Graduate Program Today!
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