Art Studio and Design at NIU
You have a vision to share with the world. We’ll help bring it to life.
Come create with our faculty of nationally and internationally renowned artists, designers and scholars. They’ll help you develop your technical skills while expanding your perspectives on culture and art. You can choose to concentrate in one of many studio and design areas. With our extensive studio and exhibition spaces, you’ll have the resources and support you need to make your vision a reality.
Explore Our Campus
What Can I Do With an Art Studio and Design Degree?
When you graduate with your B.F.A. degree, you’ll join our network of thousands of alumni with thriving careers in art and design. Depending on your interests, you can pursue your artistic passions in a variety of roles, such as:
- Studio artist
- Book illustrator
- Graphic artist
- Museum curator
- Web designer
Program Overview
You’ll start by taking foundational courses in several art and design areas, as well as art history and general education courses. Then, you’ll choose an area to concentrate in:
- Ceramics
- Drawing
- Fiber
- Illustration
- Metalwork, jewelry design and digital fabrication
- Painting
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Time arts (animation, video)
- Visual communication (graphic design)
What degree will I earn?
You'll earn a Bachelor of Fine Art degree.
How do I get in?
The NIU application is free and we are also on the Common App. Find out more about application deadlines and requirements.What will it cost?
Tuition as a full-time student is $4,803.79 per term. More information about tuition and fees can be found on the bursar's website.
How long will it take to graduate?
You can finish the degree in four years.
Apply to NIU
First-year (Freshmen) Students
HIGH SCHOOL GPA
3.0 or higher?
You're guaranteed general NIU admission.
ACT/SAT SCORES
Not considered.
We think your high school GPA is a better predictor of your success.
Transfer Students
ALL COLLEGES GPA
2.0 or higher?
You're guaranteed general NIU admission.
How to Apply
NIU is a supportive, exciting place to start your college career, as well as a flexible and rewarding next step for transfer students. If you'll be a first-year college student, you can apply using our application or by adding us to your Common App list. Transfer students, we have an application process just for you.