Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Design – Visual Communication, Illustration, Time Arts; M. F. A. Studio Art, Studio Art – Design, Time Arts
Tuition Information: Undergraduate residents $6,832, nonresidents $13,664; graduate residents $7,200, nonresidents $14,400 for the 2010 – 2011 school year. Fees of approximately $2,400 per year are additional.
Contact Information:
1425 W. Lincoln Highway
DeKalb, IL 60115
800.753.1000
www.niu.edu
Scope of Program:
Northern Illinois University offers traditional Illustration and Design programs as well as a forward-focused Time Arts program that combines animation, audio art, interactive art and video art studies at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Undergraduate Illustration students concentrate on art foundation courses, life drawing, art history, graphic design, watercolor, painting, photography and computer vector and raster applications. Students must pass a portfolio review during the first year of study to continue in the major. Illustration students complete a senior project and prepare a professional portfolio. Design – Visual Communication students take courses in drawing, 2D and 3D design, visual communications, art history, typography, interaction design and professional practices. They, too, must pass a portfolio review during the first year of study to continue in the major. Time Arts majors begin with art foundation courses and continue with computer graphics, video art, interactive art, audio art, 2D and 3D animation, intermedia arts and interactive media.
Master's degree candidates in Studio Art – Design study art history, design and studio art. They may opt to emphasize in Visual Communications if they wish. All students must present a master's exhibition. Time Arts candidates complete coursework in animation, interactive art, audio art, art history, studio practices and video art. Each student presents a master's exhibition.
Undergraduates are strongly encouraged to purchase a MacBook computer and Adobe Creative Suite 4 Design Premium. Applicants to the M. F. A. program must submit a portfolio. Northern Illinois University offers art department and university merit scholarships as well as graduate student assistantships and teaching assistantships.
