New Student Orientation
Welcome to the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts. We are pleased that you have chosen to pursue your career with us and hope to provide the tools necessary for a smooth transition to the University of Illinois at Chicago. A key determinant of your academic success in the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts is the academic advising that you receive upon admission to one of our degree programs. Academic advisors are available to assist you with program planning and course selection. Using a combination of your placement test scores, AP credits, and the Degree Audit Report (DARS), which lists each program academic degree requirements, academic advisors will assist you in the selection of first semester courses that are appropriate to your program of study.
Degree Requirements
To earn a College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts degree from UIC, students need to complete University, college, and department/school degree requirements. University and college degree requirements for all College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts students are outlined below.
The College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts semester hour requirement varies by degree program.
| Unit | Major | Degree Conferred | Total Hours |
| Architecture | Architecture | BS Architecture | 124 |
| Architecture | Architectural Studies | BA Architectural Studies | 120 |
| Design | Graphic Design | BDES Graphic Design | 133 |
| Design | Industrial Design | BDES Industrial Design | 133 |
| Art and Art History | Art | BFA Art | 129 |
| Art History | Art History | BA Art History | 120 |
| Theatre and Music | Music | BA Music | 120 |
| Theatre and Music | Performance | BMUS Performance | 120 |
| Theatre and Music | Jazz Studies | BMUS Jazz Studies | 122 |
| Theatre and Music | Acting | BA Acting | 120 |
| Theatre and Music | Theatre Design | BA Theatre Design | 120 |
| Theatre and Music | Acting | BFA Acting | 120 |
General Education Requirements
Core Requirements
General Education at UIC is designed to serve as a foundation for lifelong learning. Students are required to complete a minimum of 24 semester hours in the General Education Core with at least one course from each of the following categories:
I. Analyzing the Natural World
II. Understanding the Individual and Society
III. Understanding the Past
IV. Understanding the Creative Arts
V. Exploring World Cultures
VI. Understanding U.S. Society
For a description and a list of courses for each General Education Core category, students should consult the General Education section of the catalog. Information on meeting the General Education Core requirements for each degree program is provided in the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts department sections.
Proficiency —University Writing Requirement
College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts students meet the requirement by achieving a passing grade in English 160 and 161.
Foundation Course Requirements
Each school and department in the college has a different set of foundation and major course requirements. Students must fulfill all the foundation and major course requirements outlined for their degree program.
Preparation for Advising and Orientation
By now, you should have received your admissions materials for placement testing and the orientation program. Students are required to complete placement tests before registering for an Orientation date.
To begin preparation for Advising and Orientation, please visit my.uic.edu, the University of Illinois at Chicago portal for incoming students.