Art Studio and Design at NIU
Bachelor of Fine Arts
You have a vision to share with the world. We'll help bring it to life.
Come create with our faculty of renowned artists, designers and scholars. They'll help build your technical skills while expanding your perspectives on culture and art. You can concentrate in one of many studio and design areas. With our extensive studio and exhibition spaces, you'll have the resources and support to make your vision a reality.
I am pursuing a visual communication major. I decided on this course because when I was a little kid, I loved drawing and creating art. As I grew older, I began to develop a fascination with logos and the meaning and process behind them.”
Find Art Studio and Design Scholarships
Did You Know?
The School of Art and Design offers full and partial tuition scholarships to art and design majors. To be considered, submit a portfolio of your work.
What Can I Do With an Art Studio and Design Degree From NIU?
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 fields and roles.
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What to Expect as an Art Studio and Design Major at NIU
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)
How We’ll Help You Succeed
Apply for free and we’ll automatically consider you for a renewable merit scholarship.
Pursue your bachelor's degree at an exceptional value with our affordable tuition and fees.
Get access to career support resources like assessments, leadership courses and resume/cover letter support.
Apply to NIU
First-year Students
(Freshman)
High School GPA
3.0 or higher?
You're guaranteed general NIU admission.
ACT/SAT SCORES
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.
ALL COLLEGES GPA
3.0 or higher?
You're guaranteed a
renewable merit scholarship.
Explore Our Campus
Jack Olson Gallery, Jack Arends (Art) Building