Program Overview

Northern Illinois University

School of Art and Design

College of Visual and Performing Arts

Undergraduate Programs

The School of Art and Design offers various undergraduate programs, including:

• B.F.A. Art Studio and Design
• B.A. and B.S. Art
• B.S.Ed. Art and Design Education
• B.A. Art History
• Accelerated B.A./J.D. Program
• Digital Fabrication Certificate

B.F.A. Art Studio and Design Specializations

The B.F.A. Art Studio and Design program offers specializations in:

• Ceramics
• Drawing
• Fiber
• Illustration
• Metal
• Painting
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Sculpture
• Time Arts
• Visual Communications

Graduate Programs

The School of Art and Design offers various graduate programs, including:

• M.A. Art (Specialization in Studio Art) / M.F.A. Art and Design
• M.A. Art (Specializations in either Art History Research or Teaching at the Two-Year College Level)
• M.S. - Art and Design Education
• M.S. - Art and Design Education (online)
• Ph.D. - Art and Design Education
• Art History Certificate
• Digital Fabrication Certificate
• Museum Studies Certificate

Illustration Program

The illustration program provides students with a broad background in fine arts and design techniques, encompassing artistic study in both traditional and digital media. The program emphasizes effective visual communication of a message, narrative, or point of view, allowing students to master the ability to create meaningful images.

The program covers:

• Color materials and techniques
• Continued development of visual communication skills
• Fundamentals of graphic design
• Digital rendering with raster and vector programs (i.e., Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator)
• 2-D animation
• Best business practices and professional portfolio development
• Options to explore digital 3D model making, 3D printing, and 3D animation

Faculty members in the illustration area of study are accomplished artists who are professionally productive in illustration and scientific/medical illustration.

Student Resources

The School of Art and Design offers various resources for students, including:

• Undergraduate Transfer
• Facilities
• Visual Resource Center
• The Jack Olson Gallery
• Visual Arts Camp
• Community School of the Arts

Events

The School of Art and Design hosts various events, including:

• Upcoming events
• Community College Student Exhibition

Scholarships

The School of Art and Design offers various scholarships, including:

• Art Scholarships
• NIU Financial Aid and Scholarships